Jaipur: Piraram Dhayal is an animal rescuer from Jaipur, Rajasthan. He dedicates four hours every morning to caring for animals, including feeding them and attending to their injuries. His daily routine involves treating and rescuing animals and releasing them back into the forest once they recover. Earlier, he used to operate a puncture repair shop. Every day, he used to travel 40 to 45 kilometres to reach Sanchore. Witnessing injured animals on the roadside saddened him, prompting him to start rescuing them. To date, he has saved 3500 animals. 

How his journey began?

Previously, Piraram served in the CRPF. In 1995, he left his job to pursue farming in his village, Deora. To sustain himself, he opened a puncture repair shop in Sanchore. Commuting daily on his motorcycle, he covered around 45 kilometres from his village to the shop. On his commute, he often witnessed animals injured in road accidents.

Piraram shares that Vishnoi Community, that he is a part of, advocates for animal welfare, environmental preservation, and non-violence towards living beings. 

What led him to start rescuing animals?

Piraram Dhayal shares some incidents that he witnessed in the past. The animals often died in road accidents and the offsprings still lingered around the dead bodies feeling distressed. These heartbreaking scenes motivated him to take action. He initiated the rescue of injured animals in 1998. He often brought animals home, treated them and released them into the forest. Over time, his efforts gained momentum, as he began receiving support from his family and various organizations. 

Receiving support

Once, when Piraram was on his way to work, he encountered a tragic accident. A female deer was hit by a vehicle. He brought the orphaned fawn home, where his wife, Parudevi took care of it. This incident deeply moved them, and they decided to devote themselves to the cause of rescuing injured animals. Recently, in Sanchore, a female monkey faced complications during childbirth. After receiving the news, Piraram immediately travelled to rescue the animal. With the assistance of a doctor, he successfully saved the mother monkey’s life. 

Opening a rescue centre

Ten years ago, Piraram Dhayal established a rescue centre on his 25 acres of agricultural land. Over the years, 550 animals have been rehabilitated and released into the forest with the support of the forest department. Presently, Piraram’s rescue centre is home to 150 animals including, chinkara (Indian gazelle), deer, blackbucks, peacocks, monkeys and rabbits.

Piraram also expresses concerns about the use of pesticides in the fields. He shares that due to the widespread pesticide use in fields, peacocks are paralyzed and blinded. He has made arrangements for their care in his fields, providing them with fodder. There are a thousand tress on his farm, which provides a forest-like habitat for injured birds and wild animals. 

Financial support

In the initial days, Piraram’s endeavours were met with significant challenges. His family members were hesitant to support it and the community raised complaints about keeping wild animals. He often clarified his intentions that he wished to aid the injured animals, through assistance from the forest department and local administration. On the brighter side, he received significant cooperation from the doctors. 

Rescuing animals incurs substantial expenses. He receives support from environmental enthusiasts but that is not enough. Nevertheless, the family’s support encourages him to continue with the cause.