A nature photographer’s quick action helps save a flamingo, though its struggle to walk continues due to the injury
A flamingo with an injured left leg was rescued at the NRI wetland in Nerul Sector 58A on Monday, thanks to the efforts of nature lover and wildlife photographer Abhijit Chattopadhyay. The distress call made by Chattopadhyay led to the rescue of the migratory bird by forester Vikas Bairagi, who admitted the bird to veterinarian Dr. Kartik Iyer in Vashi for treatment, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
The injury, which affected the bird’s ability to fly, run, and take off, had left it struggling to walk. After a brief stay at the hospital, the bird was released at the same wetland location on the evening of May 6. The injury, which had led to the loss of the bird’s left foot/claw, forced the flamingo to limp, relying on the force of its outstretched wing with each step. Chattopadhyay, who had first photographed the bird five days prior, became increasingly concerned as the flamingo showed signs of distress.
Despite treatment, the bird was released at the same spot due to the lack of viable medical solutions for its injury.
The flamingo had been a frequent solitary presence on the left-hand side of the water body when entering the NRI wetland behind the NRI complex. Initially, Chattopadhyay had sought assistance from a flamingo catcher to ensure the bird received proper care before returning it to its natural habitat. The flamingo’s plight, however, sparked concerns about its survival, given the lack of advanced medical care available.
“I don’t know what kind of accident caused the injury, but imagining its struggle to walk is unbearable. An artificial claw seems like the only solution, yet feels like a distant dream in our country. I pray the Almighty brings some relief to this brave suffering soul,” Chattopadhyay said.
Bairagi explained, “The bird lost part of its leg to an injury, but not naturally by birth. Hence, it was released as no artificial limbs can be provided.”
Flamingos are an iconic feature of the city’s wetlands, particularly around the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, attracting wildlife photographers from around the world. However, the wetlands now face encroachment from the builders’ lobby, threatening the habitat of these migratory birds.
The rise in injured flamingo sightings has brought attention to the urgent need for a veterinary hospital in the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) area. Despite the completion of the NMMC’s animal hospital at Juinagar four years ago, the facility has not yet been operational. As a result, wildlife enthusiasts must either seek help from charitable veterinarians or travel to Thane or Mumbai.
Local environmentalists, including NatConnect Foundation’s director B.N. Kumar, have highlighted the issue, noting that nearly 20 flamingos died between January and May due to crashes with signboards or light pollution. Protests from the public led CIDCO to dismantle the hoarding causing some of these accidents.
The situation has underscored the need for better lighting solutions and safer conditions for the migratory birds, with experts like BNHS Deputy Director Dr. Rahul Khot suggesting specific changes to lighting on Palm Beach Road and near Nerul Jetty.