Two rescued Crested Goshawks have been donated to authorities of Itanagar Zoo by members of Arunachal Adventure Association (AAA).
The diurnal raptors, found mostly in Asia were found by AAA chairman Tarh Eha and AGS Chuku Mama from a jungle near Sagalee in Papum Pare district recently.
After rearing the birds for some weeks, they were handed over to zoo authorities yesterday.
Zoo curator Raya Flago and veterinary officer Dr Sorang Tadap received the birds.
Both of them appreciated the AAA's noble act and informed that the raptors would be quarantined for some weeks for observation, and then released in an enclosure "if everything goes right".
Wildlife conservation work, however, is not limited to the domain of educated Arunachalees and there have been instances of illiterate villagers rescuing wild animals and birds that fall under Schedule I and II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Recently, one Dolang Ada of Old Palin in Kurung Kumey district rescued and donated a migratory bird of the plover species to the zoo.
Dr Tadap informed that about 36 animals and birds have been donated in last few months.They are voluntarily donating animals and birds, which is a positive sign given the fact that Arunachal Pradesh is a hundred percent tribal state where animal hunting is commonplace," Flago said.
The AAA has appealed to the people to work for wildlife conservation and voluntarily donate rescued animals to the zoo for their rehabilitation.
Another donation was made to the zoological park yesterday by an advocate who donated a Ganges soft-shell tortoise (Trionyx Gangeticus) that he rescued from Niti Vihar recently.
