PfA Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre

Wildlife should ideally live free of human interaction. However, with rapid urbanisation, some species have found homes in the cities, among humans. You can find birds, mammals, and reptiles in trees, buildings, sheds, and soil. These species are now a part of “Urban Wildlife”. And they are not safe from the dangers that urbanisation brings. We rescue animals from traumatising conditions. Many are dislocated, and separated too soon from their families; many are electrocuted and yet many are found dehydrated and malnourished due to the lack of food and water sources. If we find humans in these conditions, most of us would be disturbed. Yet very few of us feel the same pain for non-human animals. This indifferent behaviour towards the urban wildlife is what is leading to an imbalanced ecosystem. How do we then plan the release of our rescued animals while ensuring that they do not become a victim of such phenomena again? When it comes to releasing animals, age plays a major role. When we...

We often talk about how animals and birds benefit our ecosystem and sustain our survival. Today, let's talk about the mental health benefits of interacting with nature and wildlife. Several researchers have concluded that spending time with nature and its elements reduces depression and anxiety, promotes mental wellbeing, lowers stress, improves attention and increases cognitive flexibility. It also reduces the risk of psychiatric disorders and improves interpersonal relationships. Sadly, because of rapid urbanisation, we have been disconnected from nature. Our routine involves going to work, coming back, doing chores, eating and sleeping. There is hardly any time for recreational activities, let alone spending time in nature. To worsen the situation, we have reduced the green and blue spaces around us, giving us no leeway to spend time with nature's elements. How can we interact with nature in the urban environment and derive the plethora of mental health benefits? Let's r...