Bengaluru has introduced its very own Slytherin House, drawing inspiration from the fictional world of Harry Potter. This unique initiative is a specialised reptile enclosure located at the People for Animals (PfA), a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre. The Slytherin House is designed to meticulously control temperature and humidity levels, providing an ideal environment for reptiles.
Over the past two decades, PfA has rescued over 10,000 snakes, including 7,000 spectacled cobras, 2,000 rat snakes, and 1,000 Russell’s vipers. Additionally, around 500–600 mildly venomous or non-venomous snakes have been saved.
Colonel Dr. Navaz, Chief Veterinarian at PfA, explained that the Slytherin House boasts a temperate climate with automatic control of humidity and moisture levels. This ensures that snakes receive an atmosphere and temperature similar to their natural habitat deep within burrows. The enclosure is equipped with all necessary facilities for surgeries, treatments, and rehabilitation.
As urbanization continues in Bengaluru, the city has witnessed a surge in wildlife rescues due to increasing man-animal conflicts. Dr. Navaz emphasized the need for dedicated spaces like the Slytherin House for the rehabilitation of rescued reptiles after receiving medical treatment. He cited common snake injury cases, including spinal cord fractures caused by urbanization activities such as clearing fields with JCBs.
PfA now employs modern techniques, such as the physiolaser combined with traditional veterinary Chinese technology, to reduce rehabilitation time by 25–30%. Each enclosure includes a built-in water body for snakes to cool off during hot weather and burrow-like structures for shelter. Additionally, PfA has established a dedicated surgery and treatment room for reptiles, enhancing their capacity to provide specialised care to these creatures.
