Lucknow zoo seeks int'l experts' help to treat injured Russian crane

The Lucknow zoo authorities have written to national and international experts to find the cure for the injured female demoiselle crane, which was rescued in Allahaganj town of Lucknow's Shahjahanpur district on October 17.

The demoiselle crane, which was tagged in Russia with a Global Positioning System (GPS) for the collection of data on the migratory bird, fell in Shahjahanpur in an injured state. Her wings and bones were broken.

The locals initially thought it was a spy bird and informed the police about it. However, the bird was later handed to the forest department.

Covering a distance of over 5,000 kilometres, demoiselle cranes migrate from Russia every year to spend winter in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Around 55-day old female crane begun its journey with other members of the flock and successfully crossed the Himalayas, but fell in Shahjahanpur after suffering from an injury.

Dr. Utkarsh Shukla, a veterinarian doctor, informed that after the people studying the locations of the bird lost their contact with the bird, they contacted Lucknow zoo. It was found out that the migratory bird left from Russia on July 3.

He also informed that the crane has starting eating and recovering from the trauma.

Rajendra Singh, director of Lucknow zoo, informed that the female juvenile bird is critically injured, her bones are broken and muscles are ruptured.

"We are trying to repair the bird's wing, but the chances are very less. We have contacted international experts for the help treat the bird," he said.

The team of Lucknow zoo also contacted World Association of Zoos and Aquarium for help and advice.