Reptile Rescue Training Workshop

A two day Reptile Rescue Training workshop was conducted by Wildlife SOS for the staff of Madhya Pradesh Forest Department at the Madhav National Park in Shivpuri on 24th and 25th November 2007. .

Baiju Raj and Prerna Sharma - officers from Wildlife SOS conducted the presentation followed by a practical demonstration of snakes, monitor lizard and other reptiles. All the poisonous snakes were identified and practical skills were given to empower the forest staff to rescue the snakes and other reptiles.

An unexpected call for a snake rescue added excitement to the entire workshop as the newly trained recruits from the M.P.Forest Department went on their first rescue attempt under the watchful eyes of the Wildlife SOS team. A large rat snake was rescued. The snake had startled some workers in a bushy area near the building where the training was being conducted.

Various methods of handling rescue situations were demonstrated for the safety of both animal and the rescuer and emphasis was laid on the need for caution and safety in handling reptiles.

Alok Kumar, IFS CF & Director, Dr.Jitendra Kumar Jatav, Veterinary Officer, SDOs, Forest Ranger Officers, Foresters of Madhav National Park. Muralikrishna, IFS, CF Gwalior, Dr. Mithal, Veterinary Officer, Gandhi Zoo, Gwalior, Forest Ranger Officers, Foresters, animal curators of Gwalior Zoo attended this training programme.

A number of school children and visitors to the Gandhi Zoo, also took part in the training program. The practical demonstration was held in an open garden, where the snakes were identified

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