Neha Panchamiya, the founder of RESQ Charitable Trust in Maharashtra, has dedicated her life to helping animals in need. From a young age, she felt a deep connection with animals and couldn't bear to see them suffer. Growing up in Mumbai, where dogs, cats, and a few birds were the most common animals around, Neha initially focused her efforts on rescuing and caring for these domesticated creatures.
However, her passion for animal welfare led her to move to Pune over 15 years ago, where she established RESQ Charitable Trust.
RESQ Charitable Trust's mission is to rescue and rehabilitate domestic and wildlife animals. Neha recognized that animals exist everywhere, even in human-dominated landscapes, and addressing the conflicts that arise from their interactions with humans is crucial. The organization focuses on rescue and rehabilitation and collaborates closely with government entities, particularly the forest department, to ensure they have the necessary permissions and support to carry out their work effectively.
Here are two more heroes who play a major role in rescuing animals with RESQ Charitable Trust. Let’s meet Mr. Nachiket and Mr. Tuhin, who both have unique backgrounds that led them to the world of animal rescue and rehabilitation.
Mr. Nachiket, a former IT professional, discovered his passion for wildlife conservation during his time in South Africa. Upon returning to India, he dedicated his weekends to volunteering at RESQ and eventually joined the organization full-time as the Director of Wildlife Conservation.
Mr. Tuhin, a skilled rock climber, found his calling after his dog passed away. He started volunteering at RESQ and is now the Director of Wildlife Management.
Working together, Mr. Nachiket and Mr. Tuhin form a dynamic team at RESQ Charitable Trust. Mr. Nachiket focuses on outreach and awareness programs, conducting educational sessions and managing government training on human-wildlife conflicts and animal behaviour. He also plays a crucial role in managing rescued animals, ensuring enclosures mimic their natural habitats while allowing for necessary veterinary interventions. Mr. Tuhin, with his rock climbing skills, specializes in rescuing animals in distress and training new rescuers at RESQ.
The dedicated team at RESQ Charitable Trust, consisting of biologists and qualified veterinarians, learned extensively through hands-on experience and documented their findings to improve rescue and rehabilitation protocols. They also focused on managing human-wildlife interactions and preventing conflicts through education and outreach. Neha emphasized the importance of coexistence and believed that people could learn to share spaces with wildlife more harmoniously with proper awareness and understanding.
In addition to wildlife, RESQ Charitable Trust assists other needy animals, providing rehabilitation and care for injured or sick animals. They aim to return these animals to the wild, ensuring they retain their natural behaviours and independence. The organization has an Interpretation Centre where they showcase their work through images, videos, and interactions with the team, attracting visitors who often become volunteers or donors and support the organization with their contributions.
Despite the challenges faced by organizations like RESQ Charitable Trust, including limited public attention and funding for animal welfare and wildlife conservation, Neha and her team remain dedicated to their cause. They actively maintain an online presence through their website and social media platforms to reach more people and garner support. They welcome volunteers and donors who can dedicate their time or contribute financially to their initiatives.
RESQ Charitable Trust actively collaborates with other organizations, conducts outreach programs, school education, and community awareness, participates in conferences, workshops, and seminars, and advocates for stricter wildlife protection laws and regulations. They aim to influence policy decisions that favor the protection and welfare of animals. Over the years, they have garnered recognition for their exemplary work in animal welfare and wildlife conservation, receiving grants and awards from national and international organizations.
To Connect & Contribute: https://www.resqct.org/
Through their combined efforts, Neha, Mr. Nachiket, Mr. Tuhin, and the entire team at RESQ Charitable Trust strive to make a positive difference in the lives of animals. They believe in the power of education, awareness, and collaboration to create a more compassionate world where animals and humans coexist peacefully. With their unwavering dedication and community support, they continue to touch the lives of countless animals and inspire others to take action for the welfare of all creatures.
“Rescue, Rehabilitate Animals, Reach People” ~RESQ Charitable Trust
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