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!
