Watch: Owl rescued after getting entangled in a Chinese kite string in Hatkeshwar

An owl was rescued after it became entangled in a Chinese kite string in the Hatkeshwar area on Wednesday, highlighting once again the dangers posed to birds ahead of the Uttarayan festival.

With Uttarayan approaching, kite-flying activity has intensified across the city. While enthusiasts take to rooftops in celebration, several birds are being injured or killed after getting caught in sharp and glass-coated strings, commonly referred to as Chinese manja.

According to Animal Life Care, its rescue team received an emergency call from Hatkeshwar reporting that a Nocturnal owl was trapped in a Chinese kite string and was in distress. Responding immediately, the team rushed to the spot and carried out a careful rescue operation.

“The owl was safely freed from the string and shifted to the Forest Department’s veterinary hospital for further treatment and observation,” an Animal Life Care volunteer said.

Animal welfare activist Vijay Dabhi appealed to kite-flyers to act responsibly during the festive season. He urged citizens to completely avoid the use of Chinese manja and also refrain from using heavily glass-coated strings, which pose a serious threat to birds, animals and even humans.

He further advised people not to attempt rescuing injured birds on their own. “If any bird is found hanging or trapped, people should immediately contact the Animal Helpline, the Forest Department or the Fire Brigade instead of trying to handle the situation themselves,” Dabhi said.

Wildlife rescuers have repeatedly warned that the use of banned kite strings during Uttarayan leads to a sharp rise in injuries to birds, particularly owls, pigeons and raptors, every year.