Wild v/s Mild: Screening of the documentary ‘Animal in the city’ followed by panel discussion

 The gaur (Wild buffalo) is helplessly running. It is being chased by one of the wildest species on earth, humans who are supposed to be intellects, civilized, sensitive and mild in nature. The gaur is  bewildered, scared being followed by a sarcastic mob of media and social media entertainers. The strayed animal in the city running for his life, leaps over the boundary walls, gets bruises and scars, its face is bleeding and it is completely  exhausted. The mob captures the bulky animal, ties its legs, covers its face and load it in a vehicle. The drama is over leaving the animal in trauma and stress. The wild act of the humans has taken life of the mild animal. 

 Anoop Jaipurkar’s documentary 'Animal in the city' makes you  shell shocked, astonished. The bleeding animal in the picture creates a deep scar on your mind. The silence on the screen, as the animal breathes its last, makes you uneasy, restless. An alumnus of Ecological Society, Anoop is successful in leaving the audience perplexed with the paradox “Who is the real animal in the city” ? Poor mild Gaur or wildly behaving insensitive human mob. 

The RESQ team videographer Asim Patel narrates the pathetic situation that took place, when the gaur strayed in Kothrud area on 9th December 2020. RESQ President Neha Panchamia explains how the situation could have been avoided through proper coordination amongst the different stakeholders.  Veterinary doctor Chetan Wanjori analyses trauma and stress as the prime reason behind the death. CCF Sunil Limaye imbibes that human beings need to understand what to do and what not to do in such situations. Ecologists Ketaki Ghate and Manasi Karandikar explain the three categories of landscapes and how biodiversity habitats and wilderness is diminishing due to rapid urbanisation. Journalist Samrat Phadnis blames the media and the social media people who were running behind the gaur to catch the first glimpse and make it viral. Citizen Girish Murudkar criticises onlookers' attitude and on behalf of the entire mankind seeks pardon from the gaur. Anuj Khare stresses the importance of wildlife education. Village couple’s advice of coexistence without any harm is an eye opener. The 25 minute documentary ends with this positive note and some successful examples of coexistence. 

The screening of the documentary at NFAI on Sunday 25th September morning was co-organised by Friends of Ecological Society and Kirloskar Vasundara. The excellent documentary was followed by a thought provoking panel discussion. Moderated by Ecological Society’s Dr. Gurudas Nulkar and Anoop himself, the panel involved diverse stakeholders.

DyCF Rahul Patil explained how the  mob created hurdles in the rescue and how the learning from this incidence helped them save a gaur and a leopard afterwards. He emphasised the need of pranimitra ( animal friends) like sarpamitra.  Rakshada Rode, Senior Planner, PMRDA, explained the provisions of green, blue areas, connectors, riparian corridors along the 22 rivers and G2 agriculture zones in the PMRDA development plan. She further mentioned that only 18% of the 65,000 sq. km area is considered for development while 35% is eco sensitive area. Samrat Phadnis, Editor Sakal agreed that the media for the sake of TRP is in search of sensational news and has lost it’s sensitivity. Hence he mentioned that not only SOPs but code of conduct laws needs to be in place for the media people. Urban planning consultant Shraddha Manjrekar said there is a lack of awareness about wildlife when it comes to planning of large cities. She expressed need of Investment bonds in open space conservation areas for wildlife. Dr. Gurudas Nulkar concluded the session saying that along with school education, adult education on wildlife, ecology, ecosystems is equally important. 

For further screening of the movie contact 

Anoop    9881495465

Santosh 7350105500

Report by

Santosh Lalwani

Friends of Ecological Society.