Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Dec 7: In a rare wildlife encounter for the city, three Pallid Scops Owls were rescued from different parts of suburban Mumbai earlier this week, surprising bird enthusiasts and conservationists alike.

One of the owls was taken to veterinarian Dr. Rina Dev’s animal and bird clinic in Khar, another was admitted to Exotic Vets in Chembur, while the third was handed over to Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) for medical care and rehabilitation. Officials confirmed that all three birds are receiving treatment under the supervision of the forest department and will be released once they fully recover.

The Pallid Scops Owl is considered an uncommon winter visitor in Mumbai, with wildlife trackers noting fewer than a dozen sightings in the city in the last ten years, mostly observed across social media groups and birdwatching platforms.

Wildlife experts say the rescue of three individuals in a short span points to the increasing presence of migratory species within the city’s greener pockets during winter months. Areas such as Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Aarey Colony, Thane Creek and the Flamingo Sanctuary continue to attract a diverse range of seasonal birds.

Conservation groups have urged Mumbaikars to stay alert and report any distressed wildlife to authorities, while also emphasising the growing need to preserve urban biodiversity that coexists quietly alongside the bustling metropolis.