Women rangers of the Gir Forest

Rasila Vadher, a 28-year-old forest guard together with other women colleagues at Gir National Park carried out over 600 rescue missions last year - amongst the highest number in any wildlife park in the world.
A peek into their lives and mission is going to be showcased on Discovery Channel's new series-"The Lion Queens of India". A gripping tale of these women who surely know how to tame the wild with their strength and finesse is scheduled to premiere on September 28 at 9pm.
For Vadher, it all started because of financial constraints. A friend told her about the forest department's recruitment drive and she presented herself at their doorstep. Since then, women forest guards at Gir National Park have increased by a substantial number and their mission is to preserve the endangered species of Asiatic lions.

"I have been working in this field for the past 7 years. I came into this field when one of my friends told me about the forest guard job. I applied for it and got selected. We have more than 50 women working with us," says Rasila P Vadher, In-Charge Rescue Team, Gir National Park.
"Ours is the first such women forest guard company and we have received proper training for our post. I guess the girls in our area have taken inspiration from our group and started to apply for this job," she says.
The show intends to bring alive some of the most daring wildlife action of the gutsy and resolute female foresters of the Gir National Park - the last refuge to the endangered species of Asiatic lions.

The four-part series includes rescue operation of an injured lion cub stuck in a mango orchard; catching a leopard from a farmer's house; and coming face to face with one of the most venomous snakes. Administering immediate medical care and rescue, the team covers an area of over 1800 sq km at the Gir Forest. The team ensures that none of the lions remain wounded and regenerate before the injuries become fatal.