June 5, 2025 - As the world marks World Environment Day 2025, the spotlight turns to one of the most urgent ecological threats – plastic pollution. From entanglement to ingestion and habitat contamination, the consequences are both immediate and long-lasting. Keeping in mind this year’s theme End Plastic Pollution, conservation organisation Wildlife SOS is tackling this challenge on multiple fronts; through active rescues, education and empowering young people to become advocates for a cleaner, plastic-free future.

The organisation’s Rapid Response teams have attended several distressing cases that directly demonstrate the dangers of plastic waste. In one instance, a civet was rescued in Agra after its head became trapped inside a discarded plastic jar, rendering the animal unable to breathe or navigate. In another case, a monitor lizard was found entangled in plastic waste, struggling to move and at serious risk of injury.

A Larger Crisis

“These cases are not isolated,” said Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO, Wildlife SOS. “They are symptoms of a larger crisis, one we cannot afford to ignore. Wild animals are being forced to navigate landscapes choked with inorganic waste, and plastic is among the deadliest materials they encounter.”

As part of its Environment Day initiatives, Wildlife SOS is taking an ecosystem-wide approach to address plastic pollution through rescue operations, advocacy and education. Among several awareness activities planned across India, a cleanliness drive with college students at Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary in Agra, a street theatre (nukkad natak) competition, an eco-banner making contest at the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC) in Mathura, and an awareness session at Sarla Birla Academy in Bengaluru are just a few key highlights. These initiatives are aimed at raising awareness about plastic pollution and inspiring meaningful youth-led action.

Youth: Role to Play

Geeta Seshamani, Co-founder and Secretary, Wildlife SOS, expressed, “Plastic pollution is not just a sanitation issue, it’s a biodiversity crisis. Through education and real-time rescues, we aim to show people what’s at stake. The youth especially have a huge role to play, and we’re encouraged by how receptive they are to becoming part of the solution.”

Baiju Raj MV, Director, Conservation Projects, Wildlife SOS, added, “We are seeing firsthand how everyday waste turns deadly for animals. From civets to birds to reptiles, plastic is an invisible snare. Our outreach programmes are designed to make that threat visible and urgent.”