Emergency Bird Rescue from Manja Injuries in Mumbai

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.