Other Wild Animals Rescue & Rehabilitation

During his service as a Wildlife Veterinarian at Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, (1996–2022), Dr. Krish Asokan participated in the rescue, treatment, rehabilitation, and release of more than 10 wild leopards affected by injuries, poisoning, accidents, and human–wildlife conflict. One of the most notable rescue cases involved a wild leopard from Kotagiri that had preyed on cattle. In retaliation, poisoned bait was allegedly used, and the leopard developed severe poisoning. The critically ill animal was rescued and brought to the Mudumalai Elephant Camp for emergency veterinary treatment. Dr. Asokan provided intensive clinical care, including emergency stabilization, supportive therapy, and continuous monitoring for one week. Following a remarkable recovery, the leopard regained its normal health and was successfully released back into its natural forest habitat. This landmark rescue demonstrated the importance of timely veterinary intervention, coordinated teamwork with the Forest Department, and scientific wildlife management in mitigating human–wildlife conflict and conserving free-ranging leopard populations.

Dr. Krishnamoorthy Asokan, former Zoo Director, V.O.C. Mini Zoological Park, Coimbatore, successfully carried out the field-level treatment and management of an injured hedgehog, demonstrating the importance of veterinary care for small and less commonly treated wild mammals. The case involved careful clinical examination, assessment of injuries, supportive treatment, wound management, medication and close observation under field conditions. The primary objective was to stabilize the animal, prevent complications and support its natural recovery. This experience reflects Dr. Asokan’s broader commitment to wildlife conservation and veterinary service, extending beyond elephants and large mammals to include small mammals, birds, reptiles and other wildlife species. His work demonstrates that timely veterinary intervention at the field level can play an important role in saving injured wildlife and supporting rehabilitation and release. Wildlife Under Increasing Environmental Pressure: Due to climate change, rapid urbanisation, habitat destruction and changes in land use, many wild animals are increasingly affected. The loss and fragmentation of natural habitats, rising temperatures, reduced availability of food and water, road accidents, pollution and increasing human–wildlife interactions pose serious challenges to wildlife survival. Small and lesser-known animals such as hedgehogs, reptiles, birds and other small mammals can be particularly vulnerable when their natural habitats are fragmented or replaced by human settlements. Injured or displaced animals may enter urban and agricultural areas in search of food, water and shelter, increasing their risk of injury and mortality. The field-level treatment of an injured hedgehog by Dr. Krishnamoorthy Asokan highlights an important principle of conservation: wildlife protection is not limited to large or iconic species. Every animal has an ecological role and deserves appropriate care and protection.

Dr. Krish Asokan has participated in the rescue, treatment, rehabilitation, and release of more than 20 Indian Gaur (Bos gaurus) affected by injuries, illness, dehydration, and human-induced environmental stress. Many rescue cases were associated with habitat degradation, deforestation, climate-related heat stress, water scarcity, expansion of human settlements, and increasing human–wildlife conflict, which forced gaur into agricultural and urban fringe areas. His field responsibilities included clinical examination, emergency treatment, fluid therapy, disease diagnosis, rehabilitation, and post-treatment monitoring. During his wildlife veterinary service, Dr. Asokan also managed gaur affected by ocular disorders, including cataracts, as well as trauma, infectious diseases, malnutrition, and stress-related conditions. Working closely with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, he contributed to the successful recovery and conservation of this threatened species through evidence-based veterinary care and scientific wildlife management.

Dr. Krish Asokan has provided specialized veterinary care for Indian Fruit Bats (Pteropus giganteus) rescued from injuries, disease, dehydration, entanglement, electrocution, and other environmental threats. Many bats were brought to forest veterinary units, zoological facilities, and government veterinary hospitals after being affected by habitat loss, extreme weather, urbanization, and human activities. His work included clinical examination, emergency treatment, wound management, fluid therapy, nutritional support, rehabilitation, and release of recovered bats back into their natural habitats. He also promoted public awareness on the ecological importance of fruit bats as pollinators and seed dispersers, helping to reduce misconceptions and encourage the conservation of these ecologically important mammals. Through scientific veterinary care and rehabilitation, Dr. Asokan contributed to the protection and conservation of Indian Fruit Bats and their habitats.