I Have Got Death Threats, Poachers Have Tried To Stop Me. But I Am Determined To Save These Animals

“I have grown up listening to stories of the brave Bishnoi community in Rajasthan who have laid down their lives for the environment. Over 300 Bishnois, under the leadership of Amrita Devi Bishnoi embraced death but didn’t let the king of Marwar chop down the Khejri trees! These anecdotes have stayed with me forever.

After I left my job as CRPF and came back to my village, I started a small puncture repair shop on the National Highway. That’s how I made my livelihood. This was when I saw some of the most horrible accidents these wild animals suffered because of speeding bikes and cars. It was horrible to see how heartless people are who didn’t even care to stop after hitting the animals.

I have seen the painful sight of a baby deer suckling on its dead mother who was just run over. These sights never leave your mind and this was what prompted me to help innocent wildlife.

In the last 10 years, I was able to rescue many deer, chinkaras, nilgais, peacocks, rabbits, monkeys etc. My entire family supports me in this, without their help I wouldn’t have been able to continue this work. This is the only thing that gives purpose to my life now. I hardly give a second thought when I use up my savings for these voiceless creatures — this is the best way I could have used them.

I have got death threats, hunters and poachers have tried to stop me. But the Forest Department has been constantly beside me throughout all of this.

I have been lucky enough to be able to save so many animals in need but I want to save many more. These animals have no one but me, I don’t wish to fail them.”

-Peera Ram, Founder, Bishnoi Wildlife Rescue And Rehabilitation