Amethi: The TSA/WCS-India and Forest Department, Uttar Pradesh successfully rescued a nearly 9 foot pregnant female Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) on Thursday from Sharda Sahayak canal in Amethi district after four days (and nights) onerous operation. This is the 15th successful rescue in five years.
Caught in a canal, the female gave the team a good chase up and down over four days covering nearly 100km. Nicknamed 'Maharani' (Queen) by the team, she was finally caught late afternoon and transported to a release site before being safely introduced back into a section of the Sarju River which has a dolphin population.
An Endangered animal under the IUCN RedList as well as being India's National Aquatic Animal, Gangetic Dolphins breed every two to three years, making it all the more important for the team to rescue her without exerting the least amount of stress.
Officers from UPFWD, the UP police staff and the Irrigation department officials pitched in during the operation led by TSA staff Wildlife Veterinary officer, Dr Ashish Singh who was assisted by Arunima Singh, Suresh Pal Singh, Lalit Budhani, Satram Nishad, Rishika Dubla and Dr Shailendra Singh.