A bonnet macaque was revived by the staff of the Vanasamrakshana Samiti at Kallar in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday.
In a heartwarming act of compassion that has since gone viral, three tribal women of the Vanasamrakshana Samiti (forest protection committee) in Thiruvananthapuram revived a baby macaque after it was electrocuted near the Kallar Golden Valley forest check post on Tuesday.
The incident took place along the Vithura-Ponmudi road when two young monkeys came in contact with a power line. One of them fell on a tree branch, the other fell unconscious on the tar road and suffered a wound on the forehead.
Ponmudi Vanasamrakshana Samiti members Udaya, Sachithra and Saugandhika, who are all members of Kani tribal settlement in Mottamood, Vithura, rushed to the scene without hesitation. The trio immediately performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by performing chest compressions in an attempt to revive him. Miraculously, their efforts succeeded.
After basic wound treatment, the revived monkey was released back into the wild, a moment that drew widespread attention and praise.
Members of Ponmudi Vanasamrakshana Samiti Sachithra, Udaya and Saugandhika.
“Even though we suffered a lot due to wild animals and crop loss due to wild boar, elephant and bear raids, we never thought of turning our backs on these baby monkeys. Animals are a threat to us, yet we have always lived next to the forest and its creatures,” says Udaya.
‘Empathize’
Sectional Forest Officer Shaji points out that similar incidents have occurred earlier, including one two months ago when a forest officer administered CPR to a fallen animal. “Vanasamrakshana Samiti members are encouraged to act as true custodians of the forest by promoting compassion for both humans and wildlife. Such actions serve to instill empathy in others as well,” he says.
The incident also sparked discussions on the need to provide formal training in first aid and wildlife rescue techniques to members of the Vanasamrakshana Samitis and Ecological Development Committees across the state.
Published – 21 October 2025 20:50 IST
