Wildlife Warriors: Muhammad Shafi Bhat, the man on quest to conserve Kashmir's wildlife

September 27, 2023 by News Desk

Every time, there is a scare of wild animals in the localities of Budgam, Muhammad Shafi Bhat is the first person to be called by the people living in the district.

Not only does he rescue the wild animal, Bhat also takes care that the animal is taken back to its natural habitat.

From ferocious leopards to venomous snakes and Himalayan bears, Bhat has volunteered to rescue hundreds of animals in Budgam district.

“Rescuing wild animals is my passion. They are as innocent as we humans are. I get distress calls every time and then my rescue mission starts,” he told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

Bhat who worked as an electrician before is now a famous animal rescuer of Kashmir. He learned this skill out of curiosity and passion to explore the wildlife of Kashmir.

“I was working as an electrician. One day a leopard entered a locality and I played an important role in capturing the animal. That incident was a kind of trigger that I could rescue animals. Now it has become a passion to capture wild animals and release them in jungles,” he said.

Later, Bhat changed his career and began working as a helper for the wildlife department. “I used to work as an artisan in addition to being an electrician. I’m now more interested in nature. I want to continue my interest,” he said.

In the last few years, Bhat said he saved the lives of many wild animals including leopards, black bears, snakes and porcupines.

“Till now, I might have rescued and saved the lives of almost 22 leopards. I also rescued black bears, snakes and other ferocious animals. It is a life risking job but once a person gets to know the animals’ behaviour, it becomes easy to deal with animals,” he said.

Bhat is simultaneously raising awareness about conserving wildlife through his social media handles.

“I am running a Facebook page called Wild Frame. I record a video of animal rescue and then do a commentary about the techniques used to save the animals. I also appeal to my viewers not to be cruel with animals,” he said.

Bhat, who works as a helper in the wildlife department said he desires to start a NGO which deals with the rescuing of wild animals and awareness regarding wildlife.

“I haven’t started the process yet but someday I will start an NGO in which people collectively work to conserve wildlife,” he said—(KNO)