Ethical Snake Rescue and Release in Mumbai
Rescuing a snake is just the beginning. I focus on ensuring every animal is released safely into its natural habitat, far from human conflict.
The most rewarding part of my job. This video shows several rescued snakes, including a Checkered Keelback and an Indian Rat Snake, being released back into the wild where they belong.
Releasing a rescued Russell's Viper, a highly venomous snake. Every release is done with careful planning and adherence to Forest Department protocols to ensure safety for everyone.
After successfully hatching, these baby Buff-striped Keelbacks are ready for their new life. Releasing them into a safe, appropriate environment is the final step in this successful conservation effort.
About From Rescue to Release
People often ask if I just release snakes in the nearest park. I don't. Every release requires finding a balance: it must be a wild habitat suitable for that specific species, far enough to prevent them from wandering back into your living room, yet close enough that they can acclimatize quickly. I follow strict Forest Department guidelines for every release, ensuring the safety of both the animal and our communities.
When I pull a snake from a car chassis or a bathroom in Mumbai, the process is only half finished. The most critical phase is the release. Many people assume any green patch will do, but that is rarely the case. For a Russell's Viper, I look for rocky, dry terrain where it can naturally hide, whereas a Checkered Keelback needs water bodies and vegetation to hunt.
I follow strict protocols mandated by the Forest Department. This means recording every rescue, assessing the animal's health for injuries, and releasing them only in authorized natural habitats. For baby snakes, like the Buff-striped Keelbacks I have incubated, the release is a vital milestone. They need to be big and strong enough to survive on their own.
Why does this matter? Because poor release practices lead to snakes finding their way back to human settlements. My aim is to solve your problem, but also to respect the animal's need for space. If you find a snake in a place it does not belong, remember that it is just as scared as you are. Give it space, call for a professional, and let us handle the logistics of getting it back home.
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