Ahmedabad: At Jivdaya Charitable Trust, a kite lies on a table with its beak open as volunteers gently drip water into it, treating the effects of extreme heat. With temperatures staying above 40°C for nearly two weeks, rescued birds and animals across the city are increasingly arriving at NGO-run facilities in critical condition.“We treat around 100 birds every day, including pigeons, kites, doves, parakeets, cuckoos, mynahs, peacocks, parrots, and even rare species such as painted storks, eagles, and honey buzzards. Most are brought in dehydrated, unconscious, or too weak to fly, requiring urgent care,” says Samir Abbasi, head supervisor at JCT. Compared to last year, the first 45 days of summer have seen an 18% overall rise in rescues at JCT, including a 22% increase in animals and a 13% increase in birds. Since the beginning of March, the trust has treated 2,936 birds and 3,328 animals.Volunteers first give dehydrated birds ORS water and replenishing fluids to speed recovery before further treatment. Once stable, the birds are released back into their natural habitat.Veterinarian Anand Parikh at JCT said, “About 10 stray dogs are brought to the hospital daily, mostly suffering from heatstroke and fever caused by direct exposure to the sun. Common symptoms include heavy panting and excessive salivation. Such dogs are immediately shifted to the ICU, given oxygen and fluids, and discharged after recovery.”Recurring summer heatwaves make dehydration among birds and stray animals common, said JCT trustee Gira Shah. “Caring for community animals is a shared public responsibility.”
