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In a swift action, the Maharashtra Forest Department rescued two bulbuls and a parakeet from a residence in Uttan after receiving a tip-off about birds being illegally kept in cages.

The raid took place at the home of Sheraton D’Mello, where the protected birds were found confined in the front yard. The operation was supported by animal welfare activists Asif Patrawala and Omkar Deherkar from the NGO SARRP India.

According to officials, keeping native wild birds as pets is a violation of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Offenders can face up to three years imprisonment and fines up to ₹25,000. Authorities stressed that such birds play a vital role in the ecosystem and must remain in their natural habitats.

“The bulbuls and parakeet were under stress in captivity. These species contribute to pollination and seed dispersal in the wild. Capturing them not only harms the birds but also affects the ecological balance,” a forest officer explained.

The rescued birds are currently under veterinary care and will soon be rehabilitated and released back into the wild.

Forest officials have urged the public to avoid keeping protected birds and animals as pets and to report such cases immediately to help protect local wildlife.