Lawyer's Crusade Saves Hundreds of Endangered Storks in Coastal India

In late July 2025, lawyer Shama Bothe made a distressing discovery in a coastal village near Mumbai, India. Bothe, who divides her time between the city and a weekend home in Alibaug, stumbled upon dozens of dead and injured Asian Openbill storks that had fallen from their nesting trees in Dhokawade village.

Shocked by the sight, Bothe immediately sprang into action. With the help of local villagers, she rescued six live birds and separated them from the 30 chicks that had perished, likely pushed off their nests by strong sea winds or aggressive siblings. Realizing this was an annual occurrence, Bothe and the villagers decided to set up a landing net between the trees to break the birds' fall.

Over the past month, Bothe has made numerous trips to the village, working tirelessly with the locals and a veterinarian to rescue a total of 25 storks and other birds, including egrets and pond herons. 12 of the rescued birds have managed to survive so far, with Bothe transporting them to a wildlife rehabilitation center in Mumbai for treatment and eventual release.

Bothe, whose father was the renowned ornithologist Salim Ali, has made it her mission to save these vulnerable birds. She plans to set up a dedicated rescue center in the village for the next breeding season, as the number of nests on each tree can reach up to 40, which is considered excessive. Local authorities have also pledged to support Bothe's efforts, recognizing the importance of protecting this unique bird colony.

The Asian Openbill stork, though not endangered, is protected under India's Wildlife Protection Act. Bothe's tireless work has not only saved hundreds of these birds but also raised awareness about the need for conservation in the region.