On Saturday, wildlife SOS has rescued two different species — Python and juvenile Cobra from different locations.
The juvenile cobra was rescued from Gate number — thirty of the Rashtrapati Bhavan while nearly six foot long Indian Rock Python rescued from a tree located near the Saket Metro Station on the Mehrauli- Badarpurroad.
Both the snakes are under observation and will be released back into its natural habitat, once deemed fit by the NGO's veterinarians
Responding emergency call on Saturday afternoon, Wildlife SOS two member rescue team immediately deployed to carry out the rescue operation. "The snake was later carefully transferred into a safe transport container.The common cobra (najanaja)is one of the four venomous snake species to be found in the Indian subcontinent. They are revered in Indian mythology and culture and are listed under Schedule II of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972," said Wildlife SOS official.
Kartick Satyanarayan, CEO, Wildlife SOS said, "I thank the staff of the President's Estate for alerting Wildlife SOS to this emergency.Rescues involving venomous snakes require patience and skill, and we have professionally trained rescuers who are experienced in handling such operations. Cobras seldom bite, but will give out a warning sign by displaying their hood.
The snake uses its venom primarily to hunt prey like rats, mice and frogs. People get accidentally bitten only when they step on the snake or an untrained person attempts to catch or handle these snakes."
WasimAkram, Manager Wildlife operations said,"Over the years, we have carried out several wildlife rescues from the RashtrapatiBhavan premises.
The Wildlife SOS Hotline is run with the objective of helping wildlife in distress as well as to assist the public and to sensitise them to the presence of urban wildlife and reptiles."
Soon after, the team rushed to the aid of a 6 foot longpython that was spotted on a nearly 30 foot tall tree located inside the premises of Surya Apartments, Kalkaji Extension also.
Earlier this week in a similar incident, the NGO had rescued another python from a tree near Saket Metro station.
Snakes are currently kept under observation and will soon be released back into the wild. Large scale deforestation, urbanisation, encroachment for human habitats and construction, force these generally misunderstood reptiles to wander out of their natural habitats and come in contact with humans. Such incidents often result in man-animal conflict as well.
