Mumbai: Two young flamingos are in a critical condition after being allegedly shot at by airguns.
Ironically, one of them was found at the northern part of the Thane creek, where the Mumbai government plans to inaugurate a flamingo sanctuary in February. The other was found near a jetty around Godrej hillside colony in Vikhroli. Both the birds are now being treated at avian expert Dr. Rina Dev’s clinic at Bandra in the city.
Activists say this is the first time such incidents have occurred. The Flamingo that was found near Thane creek was rescued earlier this week on Thursday. They rushed the stricken bird to the Thane Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Doctors who examined the bird said that its right wing was fractured and it had a maggot-infested wound.
Rescuers believe the birds may have been shot by those involved in organised poaching. The other flamingo was rescued after it was spotted on Sunday. The bird, which is also suffering a wing injury, had to undergo a surgery.
