Bijnor : In a timely intervention that saved six critically endangered young birds, the forest department rescued six barn owl chicks which had accidentally got trapped inside a house in Bijnor’s Krishna Vihar Colony. The two-and-a-half-month-old chicks—four males and two females—are now receiving specialised care and rehabilitation under the close supervision of wildlife officials.
The predicament began when a window used as an entry and exit point by the parent owls was sealed during routine home repairs. Unaware that a nest of chicks was inside, resident Jagdish and his family only discovered the birds after hearing their persistent, hungry calls echoing from within the structure. The family immediately alerted local authorities to secure help for the distressed wildlife.
The species is afforded strict legal safeguards under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, making their protection and welfare a high priority for local conservationists. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Meerut | Silver Rate in Meerut | Bank Holidays in Meerut | Public Holidays in Meerut | Meerut AQI | Weather in Meerut | Petrol Price in Meerut | Diesel Price in Meerut | CNG Price in Meerut | LPG Price in Meerut Stay updated with the latest Meerut news. A rescue team led by forest ranger Mahesh Gautam promptly responded to the scene, successfully extracting all six chicks without harm. They were immediately transferred to the forest department office, where comprehensive relief efforts are currently underway. To support their growth and recovery, officials have placed the chicks on a nutrient-rich diet, feeding them approximately one kilogram of chicken and mutton daily during their natural nocturnal activity hours. Department officials are currently preparing to transition the young birds to a dedicated wildlife rescue centre, where they will receive further care until they are fully rehabilitated and ready for release back into the wild. Highlighting the ecological significance of the rescue, ranger Gautam noted that barn owls—easily recognised by their heart-shaped facial discs and silent flight—play a vital role in natural pest control by regulating rodent populations near human habitations. Download the TOI App.