Wild birds belong in the wild — not in cages. 
Acting on confidential information, a joint rescue operation was carried out last month by the Cooch Behar Forest Department in collaboration with members of HEAL across several areas of Cooch Behar. This included Nauruddin Mor, Brahmanpara, VIP Mor, Bhairabi Kalibari, Takagachh, Bandher Par, and the Cooch Behar Zilla Parishad area.
The operation was led by Ardhendu Banik from our team. A total of 13 parakeets that were being illegally kept in captivity were rescued.
These include:
9 Rose-ringed Parakeets (Indian Parakeets)
4 Alexandrine Parakeets (Chandana Parakeets)
Both species are protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, making their capture, trade, or captivity illegal.
The rescued birds are now undergoing health assessments, following which they will be rehabilitated and released back into their natural habitat where they truly belong.
HEAL continues to work closely with the Forest Department to combat illegal wildlife trade and ensure that wild animals and birds remain free in their natural ecosystems.
If you come across wildlife being kept illegally, please report it to the authorities or reach out to HEAL.