The Villoo C Poonawalla Wildlife Hospital, situated in Pingori village, Pune district, has concluded its fourth year of operation since its inauguration on September 30. Over this four-year period, the facility has reportedly provided treatment to approximately 2,500 wild animals representing diverse species. These interventions have included rescuing leopard cubs, treating injured vultures and flamingoes, and performing intricate surgeries on animals such as turtles and cobras.
Operating as a transit treatment centre in partnership with the Ela Foundation and the Maharashtra Forest Department, the hospital was established with a significant donation from Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla, Managing Director of Serum Institute of India. Dr. Satish Pande, the hospital’s director and a noted ornithologist, indicated that beyond direct animal treatment, the institution has offered advisory services for more than 2,500 animals, encompassing birds, mammals, and reptiles, and has contributed to wildlife habitat protection.
In response to declining vulture populations, the hospital is also developing plans for a Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre, intended as an expansion of its existing services.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/from-cobras-to-cubs-villoo-c-poonawalla-wildlife-hospital-marks-4-years-treats-2500-animals-10283271/