As summer intensifies, animal welfare NGOs in Bengaluru are grappling with a surge in distress calls involving dehydrated birds and strays. Organizations like People for Animals (PFA), CUPA, CARE, and Praana Animal Foundation are urging residents to step up by placing water bowls, building bird baths, and offering shelter in shaded areas.

PFA’s Wildlife Hospital is responding to 15–20 calls daily—mostly for black kites collapsing mid-flight. “We used to get about 10 such cases during last summer’s peak,” says Dr. Navaz Shariff, PFA’s chief vet. CUPA is also receiving calls, mainly for heat-stricken crows and kites, attributing the rise to Bengaluru’s shrinking green cover.

Praana and CARE report daily cases of exhausted cats and birds, with CARE noting an unusually early onset of dehydration-related issues—starting from February. Recovery for affected animals can take 4–5 days, often requiring fluid therapy and ice packs.

In response, Water for Voiceless, an NGO in New Thippasandra, has ramped up its free water bowl campaign, distributing over 2,500 cement bowls since late February. They stress safe placement—terraces for birds, shaded ground for strays—to avoid accidents and keep water cool.

PFA has also revived “Operation Quench Thirst”, sending 6,000-litre water tankers to refill dried-up forest water points every two days.

Meanwhile, residents like Kavitha, Zoya, Aadhya, and Prashanth are setting examples by placing bowls and planters across their homes, offering crucial relief to wildlife in their vicinity.