RAWW

RAWW We rescue/treat/rehabilitate thousands of wildkinds with the forest department every year.

RAWW | Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare | Registered Trust / NGO | Human Wildlife Conflict Mitigation | Wildlife Rescue |Environment Conservation | Spreading Awareness | Setting Wild Trends | www.raww.in | RAWW
(Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare) is a registered NGO (Non - Governmental Organization) working for the conservation and protection of wildlife and its habitat. Countering

human - wildlife conflicts by systematic wildlife management like rescuing/rehabilitating wildkinds in distress, conducting scientific research/study, spreading awareness and motivating the citizens to participate in environment and wildlife welfare activities. All our rescues are conducted legally by following all the necessary ethics, protocols and wildlife laws of the country. This is our official page to keep our supporters and well-wishers updated with our latest activities and initiatives with an intention of environment conservation, wildlife welfare, human betterment and motivate co-existence for a good present and better future.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and Thane Territorial Wing of the Maharashtra State Forest Department has initiated a...
18/04/2026

Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and Thane Territorial Wing of the Maharashtra State Forest Department has initiated an Anti-snare drive with support from Maharashtra State Security Cooperation, RAWW and WWA.

It will be carried out every month throughout the year for better wildlife protection and conservation efforts.

Mitthu's love ♥️🦜Ever wondered why your “Mitthu” is always so friendly? Why it is so eager to sit on your shoulder, kiss...
28/03/2026

Mitthu's love ♥️🦜

Ever wondered why your “Mitthu” is always so friendly? Why it is so eager to sit on your shoulder, kiss you, follow you around, and beg you for food?

This is how.

They are stolen from their nests before they even learn what freedom is.

They are packed into boxes and passed through multiple hands.

They are kept in darkness for days so the sky becomes something they never fully know. That is why captive birds don't choose to fly.

They are kept hungry for days, not as punishment but as strategy, so the same hand that starves them becomes the one they learn to trust. The bird associates the human hand with food. That's why your mitthu runs behind you. Begging for food.

They are handled again and again despite their fear, until resistance fades and stillness starts to look like affection.

Their wings are clipped, their movement is controlled, and their choices are taken away. The bird doesn't fly not because it cannot but because it doesn't know the power of wings.

This is not just cute training. This is conditioning.

At this point, it is not about breaking the body, but about breaking instinct, crushing the souls, rewriting what “safe” feels like for a wild bird.

Because in the wild, these are not “friendly” animals. Parakeets have strong, powerful beaks and fierce flock instincts. When threatened, they defend themselves, bite hard, and survive in a world that does not make space for weakness.

So when they cling to you, when they nuzzle, when they seem to “love” you, remember that dependence can look a lot like affection. Where abuse is the new form of acceptable love. Because you paid a price for it. And the bird did too.

These roughly 58 parakeets were seized by the Forest Department in Mumbai and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and handed over to our team for rehab.

Funny (read sad) part is not a single bird wanted to experience a life outside cage. They huddled together, one attacked to save another. But none demanded to be out of the cage. Because that is how abuse disguised as love looks like.

Spinning webs of trade Early this year, our team assisted the customs officials in the rescue and rehab of more than 300...
26/03/2026

Spinning webs of trade

Early this year, our team assisted the customs officials in the rescue and rehab of more than 300 tarantulas seized at Mumbai's international airport.

Usually in such cases the criminals transport the animals with them in their handbags or carriers under the prescribed weight limit.

But in this particular case, a courier was shipped in the name of a Mumbai resident and landed up at the courier office at the airport.

During the screening process, the entire courier which had more than a hundred packets of cake was flagged. When officials inspected the packages and found the tarantulas they reached out to our team for further assistance.

The entire courier had over 300 tarantulas of different species including Venezuelan Redstripe Pinktoe, Brazilian Dwarf Tarantulas, Purple Pinktoe Tarantula, Brazilian Redhead Tarantula. Some of them were already dead due to suffocation. The ones that survived were stabilized and later handed back for deportation to the location from where it arrived.

In the last two years we have reached out to several such cases rescuing more than 4000 animals, birds and reptiles.

Many non-native species that are not listed in CITES or categorized as endangered or vulnerable often 'make' for a popular pet. Yes, as of now in India exotic animals are allowed as pets provided you have registered it with the government's Parivesh portal and have the necessary paperwork.

Irrespective of the legality involved, most 'exotic pets' in India are 'packaged' for 'delivery' in this way. They are price tagged for a 'market'. A demand to 'own' something exotic makes this market.

And until the gaze changes, animals such as these will continue to be just orders out for delivery.

More disturbing updates coming in from Thane.Within just two days of rescuing the severely injured macaque that had been...
24/03/2026

More disturbing updates coming in from Thane.

Within just two days of rescuing the severely injured macaque that had been shot with an arrow, we have now been alerted to at least two more similar cases, all from Yeoor where the first animal was found.

The second macaque was reported from the Rambagh area. Our team assisted the Thane Forest Department in locating the animal, which was eventually spotted over 30 feet high on the tree, visibly distressed and jumping from branch to branch. During this movement, the arrow lodged across its body dislodged and fell. The animal, however, managed to escape at that time.

While this operation was still underway, we received yet another call from nearby Shivay Nagar, where locals reported spotting a third macaque in a similar condition. Unfortunately, despite efforts, this individual could not be traced.

The second macaque was later successfully rescued by the Forest Department. The recovered arrow has been handed over to officials for further investigation.

The first rescued macaque is now stable and showing encouraging signs of recovery but prognosis is still guarded. A detailed update on its condition will be shared soon.

Bonnet macaques are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the highest level of legal protection in India, on par with species like tigers and elephants.

Following the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2022, penalties for offences involving Schedule I species have been significantly strengthened. Any act causing harm, injury, or death whether direct or indirect can invite strict legal action, including imprisonment.

22/03/2026

He is doing fine (only) as of now 🤞

It has just been a day and several of our team members received calls asking an update about the bonnet macaque that was rescued from Thane on Friday.

The arrow has been surgically removed by Dr Priti Sathe and her team of vets. Next 24 to 48 hours are extremely crucial for the mammal. Post treatment complications may arise. Our team is monitoring it 24/7.

The macaque has started eating food and we are administering painkillers and other medications as prescribed by the vet.

We have submitted the arrow to the authorities for further investigation.

The Forest Department will lodge the case under Section 9 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 which amounts to hunting. As per media reports the authorities are investigating the three archery classes closer to the location of the rescue. Whether this was an error or an attempt to hunt, the motive remains unclear as of now.

Bonnet macaques fall under Schedule I protection of the WPA- the highest level of legal protection in the country, on par with species such as tigers and elephants.

Following the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2022, penalties for offences involving Schedule I species have been further strengthened, and any act causing harm, injury, or death, directly or indirectly, can attract stringent punishment, including imprisonment.

The incident also brings attention to activities in and around the Yeoor range of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Despite being a protected forest, there continue to be observations of unregulated establishments and activities such as archery and horse riding activities within eco-sensitive zones.

We are closely monitoring the macaque’s condition and will keep everyone updated.

3ft metal arrow pierces through macaque, alive but criticalAn emergency evacuation rescue was carried out early this mor...
20/03/2026

3ft metal arrow pierces through macaque, alive but critical

An emergency evacuation rescue was carried out early this morning by our team in Thane’s Yeoor area after a young macaque was found with a steel arrow lodged completely through its body.

The animal was in acute distress, perched on a lower branch minutes before the rescue, indicating exhaustion and reduced mobility.

As per inputs from local residents and police, the injured macaque had first been spotted 3 to 4 days ago in this condition but managed to evade capture each time. It was finally located early today by our team enabling them to conduct a controlled and safe evacuation.

Prima facie, the nature of the injury is consistent with either a poaching attempt or a deliberate act intended to deter wildlife movement in the area.

An emergency surgical intervention was carried out by Dr. Priti Sathe and her veterinary team. The approximately 3ft heavy metal arrow was successfully extracted out of the sub-adulr mammal's body. However, the animal remains critical due to significant blood loss sustained over the past few days.

The Forest Department and local police are currently investigating the matter.

Bonnet macaques fall under Schedule I protection of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972- the highest level of legal protection in the country, on par with species such as tigers and elephants.

Following the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2022, penalties for offences involving Schedule I species have been further strengthened, and any act causing harm, injury, or death, directly or indirectly, can attract stringent punishment, including imprisonment.

The incident also brings attention to activities in and around the Yeoor range of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Despite being a protected forest, there continue to be observations of unregulated establishments and activities such as archery and horse riding activities within eco-sensitive zones.

We are closely monitoring the macaque’s condition and will keep everyone updated.

Civet update 🖤A lot of you have been checking in on the injured civet rescued from a temple in Thane, so here is a quick...
17/03/2026

Civet update 🖤

A lot of you have been checking in on the injured civet rescued from a temple in Thane, so here is a quick update.

The civet is now out of immediate danger and under constant observation.

It is currently being treated by a team of six specialised vets, and we are doing everything we can to support its recovery.

There are some small but important positives - hydration has improved, it has started eating on its own, and we are seeing a slight improvement in weight.

That said, it’s still not fully recovered and prognosis is guarded. There seems to be an issue with its vision, and the skin on the hind legs is peeled and sensitive from injury. No internal fractures so far, but it remains weak and we are continuing further tests.

For those who don’t know, the Asian palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) is a shy, nocturnal animal that avoids people. Seeing one in a dense urban space is almost always a sign that something is wrong.

They are protected under Schedule II of India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

If you would like to support its treatment and care, you can contribute here:
UPI: 9869780202m@pnb or donate via www.raww.in

Every bit helps 🙏

Traffic. Dogs. And. A Nilgai. Hello. Hello. Our second vlog is out! Check the tube now. In this video you will meet our ...
13/03/2026

Traffic. Dogs. And. A Nilgai.

Hello. Hello. Our second vlog is out! Check the tube now.

In this video you will meet our dearest Power, a rescued indie who has slowly promoted himself to unofficial protector of our transit centre, and Archer, one of our guard dogs who takes keeping watch very and we mean very seriously (iykyk).

Follow our team members Kunal Thakkar and Ritik Jaiswal through what most of our days look like: navigating Mumbai traffic to reach the transit centre, checking on the animals currently under care and planning their release back into the wild.

There is also a very brief guest appearance by a rescued chotu nilgai who clearly had other plans for the day.

For those who often ask what a typical day in wildlife rescue looks like, here is a small glimpse.

The full vlog is now live on YouTube. Link in bio. Do watch.

13/03/2026

Power, Archer & Nilgai!

Our second vlog is out now. In this video you meet our transit centre's protector buddies Power, a rescued indie along with Archer one of our guard dog who is always on duty.

Watch our team members Kunal Thakkar and Ritik Jaiswal take you through what they do in a day as they navigate city traffic to reach our transit to check the animals under care, schedule their releases back into the wild.

We have a teeny weeny guest appearance of a rescued chotu nilgai too!

Full video is out now on YouTube, link is in our bio. Do watch, drop in comments in case you have any questions for us.

05/03/2026

Sakaal Samman 2026: Win for our wildlife!

Two of our team members Adv Pawan Sharma and Dr Rina Dev have been awarded for their contribution to wildlife conservation in Maharashtra at the Sakaal Samman Awards 2026.

Pawan, our founder and president at Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW), has spent over 15 years building systems that allow wildlife rescues to happen quickly, lawfully and compassionately across Mumbai and beyond. An environmental advocate and wildlife rescuer, he continues to work at the intersection of law, policy and on-ground conservation.

We are equally proud to see Dr Rina Dev and her organisation Riwild Sanctuary & Charitable Trust recognised.

For over two decades, Dr Dev has quietly been one of the people many rescuers turn to when wildlife needs urgent medical care. Through Riwild Sanctuary she leads rescue, treatment and rehabilitation efforts, while also supporting the Forest Department and other wildlife NGOs with treatment and surgical care, often at subsidised costs.

This year the Sakal Samman Awards 2026 recognised 16 individuals from different walks of life making meaningful contributions to society.

Congratulations to all the awardees. For us, it’s a proud moment to see the work done for wildlife being acknowledged.

Cobra chokes in anti-bird net, rescuedAn approximately 6-ft Indian Spectacled Cobra was rescued from Thane after being f...
04/03/2026

Cobra chokes in anti-bird net, rescued

An approximately 6-ft Indian Spectacled Cobra was rescued from Thane after being found tightly entangled in an irresponsibly discarded nylon anti-bird net.

The venomous reptile was first noticed by a local security guard who saw the snake struggling and immediately shared photographs with our team member Aman Singh, seeking urgent help. By the time our team reached, the cobra had entangled it more into the mesh in a desperate attempt to escape.

Thankfully, the snake sustained only minor bruising, friction wounds caused by the sharp nylon cutting into its scales as it fought to free itself.

But the outcome could have been far worse. In many such cases, the trapped animal either suffocates, loses scales and skin to deep lacerations, or dies slowly from exhaustion.

In Mumbai and neighbouring areas, anti-bird nets are aggressively marketed as an easy fix to keep birds and rodents off balconies. What is never advertised is the silent toll they take.

Over the past five years, our rescue team has seen a sharp rise in birds, reptiles and even small mammals getting entangled in these very nets. Wings caught mid-flight. Beaks and heads trapped in wider mesh. Snakes and palm civets strangled after accidental contact. Many do not survive.

Wider mesh nets often fail at their intended purpose. Instead of keeping birds away, they trap body parts, feathers, claws, even necks. The sharp nylon material worsens the damage. As the animal struggles, the mesh tightens and cuts deeper, leading to irreversible injuries.

We strongly discourage the use of such hazardous and environmentally irresponsible netting.

If netting must be installed, it should be done responsibly. A smaller mesh size reduces the risk of entanglement. Metal mesh, unlike nylon, does not stretch or expand over time, making it far less likely to trap wildlife. The goal should be prevention, not punishment.

The rescued cobra is currently under observation and will be released back into its natural habitat in coordination with the Forest Department once deemed fit.

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Mulund West
Mumbai
400080

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