While most ignore animals in pain, this Mumbaiker has turned his life into a mission — offering first aid to injured animals, even at midnight, proving that compassion is still alive in our society
MUMBAI – In the crowded heart of Mumbai, where vehicles rush past every second and people often ignore the cries of a suffering animal, 58-year-old Sailesh Mehta has chosen a different path. For the past 22 years, Sailesh has been helping injured birds and animals, without expecting anything in return. He says, “Saving an animal in pain is also a form of worship. Like humans, animals also feel pain. Helping them is part of our humanity.”
Sailesh lives in the CP Tank area with his mother, brother, and seven rescued cats. But his true family includes thousands of injured animals and birds that he has saved over two decades. He is well known among the city’s police, fire brigade, and municipal workers, who often call him—even in the middle of the night—when they come across an injured animal.
“Sometimes they call me at 2 am,” Sailesh shared. “I just grab my helmet, get on my bike-ambulance, and reach the spot. Whether it’s a crow, a cat, or a cow, I do my best to give them first aid or take them to the veterinary hospital in Parel.”
The turning point in Sailesh’s life came over two decades ago. He was a driver for a tour and travel company when he saw an injured cat lying in a pool of blood on the roadside. “Nobody stopped. Everyone just kept driving past it. But I couldn’t leave it there. I cleaned its wounds, wrapped it in my handkerchief, and took it to the hospital,” he recalled. That moment sparked a lifelong commitment.
Since then, Sailesh has treated countless birds—including pigeons, crows, sparrows, and eagles hurt by kite strings—as well as cows, dogs, buffaloes, and cats injured in accidents or suffering from diseases.
Realising the need for speed and mobility in emergencies, Sailesh transformed his personal bike into a mini-ambulance. Equipped with basic first aid, a box for small animals, and contact numbers of key hospitals, his modified bike helps him reach accident spots quickly and safely.
“Most NGOs and government departments stop working by 6 pm. That’s when my work usually begins,” he said. “If an injured animal is reported at night, they call me. I don’t delay—I ride out immediately.”
Over time, Sailesh became a familiar name at every police station and BMC office in Mumbai. They trust him to handle emergency calls regarding animals.
“Even the fire brigade staff know me by name,” Sailesh said proudly. “They know I will come, even if it’s midnight.”
Though his main focus is animals, Sailesh also lends a hand to sick or abandoned humans in need. “If someone is lying sick and helpless by the roadside, I try to help them too. Life is life—be it human or animal,” he said.
Despite his noble work, Sailesh has never had a steady source of funding. He depends on small donations, his family’s support, and a few animal welfare groups. “It’s not easy. There are times when I don’t have money for petrol or medicines. But somehow, help comes. God sends good people my way,” he shared.
Local residents admire his dedication. Ramesh Jadhav, a shopkeeper in CP Tank, said, “We have seen Sailesh Bhai go out even during heavy rains or late nights. He never says no. It’s rare to find someone like him in this fast-moving world.”
Another resident, Fatima Sheikh, who once called him for a wounded dog, said, “He came within 15 minutes and cleaned the dog’s wounds like a trained vet. I don’t know how he does it, but he treats every animal like family.”
For Sailesh, saving lives is not just an act of kindness—it is worship. “Our religion teaches us to be kind to all living beings. When I treat a bird or an injured animal, I feel like I am doing something for God,” he said.
Even with his small income and growing age, Sailesh continues his mission with energy and patience. He has no staff, no office, and no big donations—just a heart full of compassion and a two-wheeler turned into an ambulance.
“When I see a wounded pigeon fly again, or a cow stand up after treatment, I feel like I have done something good in life,” Sailesh said. “That happiness is greater than any award.”
Sailesh’s selfless work shines as a powerful reminder of humanity in a city that often forgets the weak. His service has no boundaries of religion or species. But he also needs help—fuel, medical supplies, and food for the rescued animals.
Those who wish to support his work can reach out through local welfare groups who know Sailesh personally. As animal lover Zahid Khan puts it, “Sailesh Bhai is not just helping animals. He’s teaching us what true humanity looks like.”
