Emergency Bird Rescue from Manja Injuries in Mumbai
Every year, the kite festival brings joy to many, but it leaves a trail of injured birds trapped by sharp, glass-coated manja. I work with local teams to rescue and rehabilitate these birds across Mumbai.
The sharp talons of a Black Kite tangled in deadly manja. This is the tragic reality for many birds of prey during kite season, leading to severe injury and often, death.
A close-up look at an injured Black Kite, exhausted and in pain from its struggle with a kite string. My goal is to free them and provide immediate medical attention.
This Barn Owl was another victim of manja. Documenting these rescues helps raise awareness about the consequences of using these dangerous strings.
Education is a vital part of conservation. Here, I'm showing a rescued Barn Owl to a young boy, explaining the importance of being mindful of our impact on urban wildlife.
About this collection
If you spot a bird tangled in a tree or hanging from a wire, please don't try to climb up or cut it down yourself. Glass-coated manja is razor-sharp, and it can cause deep lacerations to your hands just as easily as it does to the bird's wings. Call me immediately, and if you can, stay nearby to track exactly where the bird is. This helps us locate them quickly before the situation worsens.
The aftermath of kite flying is one of the most difficult times of the year for Mumbai's avian population. While many see the kite festival as a time for celebration, the reality on the ground—and in the trees—is often heartbreaking. Thousands of birds, including Black Kites and Barn Owls, get caught in discarded, glass-coated manja every season.
The Real Danger of Manja
Manja is specifically designed to be abrasive so it can cut other kite strings, but it doesn't discriminate. When a bird flies into these nearly invisible strings, they get deeply entangled. Because birds rely on their wings and claws to survive, these injuries are usually severe. I often deal with cases involving mutilated wings, damaged claws, and excessive blood loss. If a bird isn't rescued quickly, infection and dehydration can turn a survivable injury into a fatal one.
My Rescue Approach
I don't work alone. I coordinate with local fire brigades and other wildlife volunteers across Mumbai to reach birds stuck in high-rise ledges or hard-to-reach tree branches. My priority is always a safe, humane capture. We use specialized equipment to minimize stress on the animal during the retrieval process. Once secured, I transport them for medical assessment and treatment.
What You Should Do
If you see an injured bird, follow these steps:
- Keep eyes on the bird: Birds in pain will often try to hide.
- Do not pull: Attempting to yank the bird off the string usually causes more damage.
- Call for help: Providing the exact location and a photo if possible allows me to prepare the right tools before I arrive.
My goal is to give these birds a second chance at flight, but the ultimate success lies in awareness. We need to be mindful that our entertainment shouldn't come at the cost of urban wildlife.
Karan Solanki
I’m Karan. I’ve been rescuing animals since I was 8, and today, bird rescue is a huge part of my life, especially during festival seasons. My goal is simple: to be the voice for these creatures and ensure they get the help they need to fly again.
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