For years, visiting Prani, the Pet Sanctuary, had been on my wish list – a
dreamy escape I yearned for but never quite managed to act on. Every time I
thought of making the journey, some excuse or another would crop up. The
foremost deterrent, as anyone in Bangalore might sympathize with, was the
sheer distance. Located on Kanakapura Road, Prani is a good 50 kilometers from
our home – a journey that demands both time and determination. But this time,
the stars aligned. Sakura’s birthday fell on a weekday, and with a planned day
off from work, the perfect opportunity arose. Little did I know just how
remarkable this trip would turn out to be. Some adventures don't just meet
your expectations – they exceed them, leaving you marveling at life’s
unpredictability.
Right from the start, the day had its own unique rhythm. For the first time, I
found myself using my phone to capture memories on video far more than taking
pictures – uncharacteristic for me, as I’m not a typical “video person”. Yet,
something about this trip compelled me to document it, preserving its magic in
motion.
The Journey Begins
Booking tickets for Prani is a straightforward online process, though payments
are to be made in person at the counter. We’d booked the earliest slot (9 AM) hoping
for a head start to the day. However, in a delightful nod to our
ever-impeccable planning, we arrived closer to 9:30. To our relief, the person
at the counter didn’t seem too concerned about our late arrival; after all, it
wasn’t a bustling day. In fact, the sanctuary was unusually quiet, and for a
glorious hour, it felt as though we had the entire place to ourselves.
As we embarked on our journey through the sanctuary, our guide, Uday, became
an invaluable companion. Over the next 1.5–2 hours, he led us through six
distinct sections, each offering its own wonders and stories. The sanctuary is
thoughtfully designed, and even as we reveled in its charm, Uday shared that
new sections, including another aviary, were under development – yet another
reason to return someday.
1. Rodents: Breaking Fears, Building Connections
We began in the Rodents section, where we met an array of small, scurrying
creatures: rats, mice, hamsters, and hedgehogs. At first, we hesitated (let’s
say “I”), reluctant to interact with them. But Uday, with a calm and
understanding approach, reminded us not to project our fears onto the
children. Encouraged by his words, we put on a brave face and slowly found
ourselves enjoying the company of these tiny beings.
Uday shared the sanctuary’s philosophy: every animal, bird, or insect here has
been rescued, adopted, or responsibly sourced. Significant time and effort go
into domesticating them, ensuring they are kept clean, well-fed, and able to
thrive in an environment that mirrors their natural habitats.
2. Iguanas & Large Animals: Grace in Strength
The next section introduced us to iguanas – majestic creatures with
personalities as colorful as their scales. We learned to distinguish between
males and females by their hues, with males exhibiting vibrant orange tones
while females displayed bluish-gray shades. Holding an iguana, feeling its
weight and its slow, deliberate movements, was a surreal experience. Watching
them stick out their tongues added a playful touch to our interaction.
Nearby, we met a horse and two ponies, each with their own quirks and stories.
Gabbar, one of the ponies, stood out with his moody demeanor. We fed them hay,
marveling at their sheer strength. Horses can weigh up to 600 kilograms, while
ponies are lighter at 150–250 kilograms. Uday taught us the proper way to
stroke them – long, sweeping motions along their backs – a simple yet profound
way to connect with these gentle giants.
3. Goats, Turtles & Marvelous Archer Fishes
This section was lively, with goats eager to escape their enclosure at the
slightest chance. They showcased a variety of horn shapes and colors, each one
unique. Feeding them was a joyous experience, their eagerness making us laugh.
We also met turtles and terrapins, basking lazily in the sun. Uday clarified
the differences between them. Tortoises are exclusively land-dwellers, turtles
are aquatic, and terrapins are semi-aquatic, living both on land and in
freshwater. While turtles enjoy longevity with lifespans of up to 150 years,
the terrapins, with their average lifespan of 40 years, seemed content in
their sunny retreat.
A true highlight was witnessing the Archer fishes in action. With their
extraordinary ability to shoot jets of water to knock down their prey, these fish
left us awestruck. Watching them target insects with such precision (even
managing a few splashes on us) was a vivid reminder of nature’s endless
ingenuity.
4. Rabbits & Aquatic Wonders
The rabbits were a bundle of cuteness and anxiety, their tiny bodies trembling
with nervous energy. Uday explained their rapid heart rates, which soar even
higher under stress. Gently rubbing their backs, we tried to soothe them,
though it was hard to tell if our efforts succeeded.
The aquarium offered a vibrant display of aquatic life, from small, colorful
fish to larger species and even axolotls. We observed insect lifecycles and
learned about how some insects are farmed to feed other animals. Outside the
aquarium, we met a white cockatoo and a python, both captivating in their own
ways. The python’s curling movements were mesmerizing, while a nearby parrot,
recovering from the trauma of being abandoned, added a poignant touch to the
experience.
5. Donkeys, Sheep & Emus: Nature’s Personalities
The donkeys, often misunderstood, revealed their intelligence and loyalty. One
of the females, a mother, stood out for her nurturing demeanor. Feeding them
hay was a delight, their eagerness to connect added warmth to the encounter.
The sheep, like the goats, displayed a range of personalities. One
particularly shy sheep hung back while the others eagerly ate from our hands.
Meanwhile, the emus surprised us with their unique parenting dynamics: fathers
take on the responsibility of guarding eggs and raising chicks, a fascinating
role reversal in the animal kingdom.
6. Aviary: A Symphony of Wings
The aviary section buzzed with life, housing around 150 cockatoos and quails.
As Uday handed out seeds, the cockatoos swooped down, some landing on our
shoulders, others on our palms. Their cleverness was evident as they discarded
seed husks, consuming only the kernels. One cheeky cockatoo even took an
interest in my earrings, tickling my neck and leaving me in fits of laughter.
Reflections on a Magical Day
As the tour concluded, we found ourselves reluctant to leave. Washing our
hands and heading back to the car, we carried with us not just memories, but a
deep sense of connection to the natural world. Prani, with its unique charm
and the gentle wisdom of guides like Uday, had given us an experience that is
truly unforgettable. We’re already counting the days until our next visit.
Happy 7th to dearest Sakura!
