Somewhere in the metropolis that is Karachi dwells a red gate that comprises an enclosure where many of Pakistan’s rescued street animals live. From cats to dogs, birds, donkeys and so many more, a home is created for furry creatures who have been rescued from their brutal fates. This haven for stray animals is better known as Ayesha Chundrigar Foundation or the ACF Animal Rescue shelter.
Recently, within the area which harbors these furry friends, a tour was conducted followed by an interview with the founder and CEO of the foundation, Ayesha Chundrigar herself. The transmission broadcast showed the inside of the ACF sanctuary, capturing each space where animals are nurtured and rehabilitated back to health. Everyone, from the admin to the staff, was present at the shelter guiding the tour through every space. The woman whose hard work and love for animals resulted in the shelter, Chundrigar described what led to the creation of the first animal rescue foundation in Pakistan.
In the interview, she shares her journey to the birth of the existing sanctuary. She started her days standing on the road with nothing but her savings, a car with a medical kit, and a volunteer vet, venturing out looking for stray animals. Now she has transformed that idea into a huge rescue center getting over 50 animal rescue calls a day, showing that determination, perseverance and an idea can take you a long way. Being an animal rescue service has its hardships in Pakistan, but ACF is built on the sheer commitment of the incredibly dedicated staff members, gracious donors, and a founder with an immense passion for animal safety; they work day and night to ensure the best treatment for all the animals in the center.
The entire space is divided between different animals from cats, dogs and goats to monkeys as well as donkeys who have suffered tremendous trauma and loss. Through the power of empathic education, Ayesha Chundrigar and her team have given each animal its name in an attempt to humanize them while making them feel more welcomed. This helps people empathize and understand that they are living beings as well. Some animals had arrived with acid thrown on them, some with broken legs and others with irreparable internal injuries and each one of them is met with open arms and unwavering care. Regardless of how severe their injuries are, with a simple phone call, the ACF team tries their level best to save as many street animals as possible.
Between 7-20 rescues are made on a daily basis, and Chundrigar says that it is because people realize that what is being done to innocent animals on the street is, quite simply, wrong. She stated that the people of Pakistan are extremely generous, but all they need along with their good intent is a good cause to bring an active change in their society.
It is true that our population still has much to learn about animals and how they should be treated. But, through people like Ayesha Chundrigar, a strong, dedicated woman who despite several bumps in the road and continuous hurdles never stopped working towards a cause that is in dire need of attention, we can change that. She is playing her role in bringing a change in Pakistan and we could use a lot more heroes like her in our world today.
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