It was a joyous occasion for the 28 birds belonging to various species as they were released back to their natural habitats in Coimbatore here on Friday.
The birds were rescued by Forest Department personnel in various conditions and were treated at the Parakeet Transit Aviary inside the Tamil Nadu Forest Academy campus (TNFA). They were released by District Forest Officer (DFO), N. Satheesh. Members of Animal Rescuers were also present during the release.
According to DFO Satheesh, 20 Rose-ringed Parakeets were released in the Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB) campus along with four peafowls.
During the rescue, the parakeets, which were to be used for illegal trade by smugglers, were chicks of two weeks and did not have fully grown feathers. And as done regularly, their beaks were clipped.
The birds were given treatment in the PTA by department personnel along with Animal Rescuers for three months.
Protected under the Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, these birds largely end up being caged by individuals as show birds.
Lack of public knowledge about the birds and their protection status is also a reason for the barbaric caging and isolation of these birds that usually live in groups.
While a Brahminy Kite and a Black Kite were released in their natural habitats in different parts of the city, a Plum Headed Parakeet and a Blue Rock Pigeon were also released in their respective natural habitats in the outskirts of the city.
A total of 128 birds belonging to 27 species have been rescued and released in Coimbatore since January 2017.
In addition to the released birds, the campus is also caring for more than 50 Rose-ringed Parakeets and five Alexandrine Prakeets, which would soon be released back into their natural habitats once they are healthy.