Deadly ‘Manja’ Ensnares Kite Bird In Agra, Rescued By Wildlife SoS
Agra, MArch 18 (TNA) A juvenile Black Kite caught in a deadly kite manja was found hanging from a tree in Chhipitola, Agra. The bird was safely rescued by the Wildlife SOS Rapid Response Unit and is currently being kept under medical observation and care.
The Wildlife SOS Rapid Response Unit responded to a distress call on the NGO’s 24-hr rescue helpline (+91-9917109666) about a Black kite bird that was stuck in a life threatening situation.
The bird had a manja (glass-coated string) entwined around its wings and legs as it hung from the branches of a tree in Chhipitola Tola, Agra. A two member team from the Wildlife SOS Rapid Response Unit was immediately at the location and worked hand in hand with members from the Forest Department as well as Nagar Nigam to carry out this critical rescue operation.
A sky lift had to be used in order to reach the bird as it was stranded in the top most branches of a tall tree. Upon reaching the top of the tree, a pole was used to gently move the bird without causing it any undue stress.
After one gruelling hour, the kite was extricated from the tree. With injuries on its legs and wings, the bird was immediately rushed to Wildlife SOS transit facility for urgent medical intervention Dr. Ilayaraja, Deputy Director, Veterinary Services for Wildlife SOS, said, "A detailed medical examination revealed that the Black Kite is a juvenile. While the injuries are minor, the kite is unable to fly and continues to be under observation. We are ensuring the bird receives its feedings and water at regular intervals and will attempt to release it in the next 10-15 days.”
Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder & CEO, Wildlife SOS said, ”The Chinese Manja is a sharp glass or metal coated nylon string used to fly kites. These strings can cut through the flesh and bone of a bird, leading to life threatening injuries. This particular bird had fallen victim to the chinese manja and had sustained injuries on its legs and wings. If it was not for timely intervention by the Wildlife SOS rescue team, the bird would have lost its precious life. We request the public to refrain from using such glass coated manjas and avoid flying kites during dusk or dawn when birds are most active.”