The Maharashtra Forest Department on Wednesday rescued three protected birds — two bulbuls and one parakeet — from the residence of Sheraton D’Mello in Uttan, following a swift operation based on a tip-off.

The raid was carried out with assistance from environmental activists Asif Patrawala and Omkar Deherkar of SARRP India NGO. The birds, protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, were discovered caged in the residence’s front yard.

Forest officials reiterated that keeping native species such as bulbuls and parakeets as pets is strictly prohibited. “These birds belong in their natural habitats, not in cages. Captivity not only causes stress to the birds but also disturbs the ecological balance,” a forest officer said.