Agra,24 June 2026 (UTN). Wildlife SOS rescued an adult female Asian palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) from the library of a Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) office building in Sikandara, Agra, after office staff spotted the animal and alerted the Wildlife SOS Agra-Mathura Rapid Response Unit helpline (+91 9917109666).
As soon as the office staff spotted the small mammal, they secured the room, preventing the civet from moving deeper into the building. Upon arrival, the Wildlife SOS Rapid Response team conducted a thorough search of the library and located the civet hiding beneath a desk, a behaviour typical of the species when startled or displaced in an unfamiliar environment. The animal was carefully and safely rescued by the team. On examination, the civet, found to be an adult female, was found to have sustained a minor soft tissue injury on her muzzle and was immediately transported to the Wildlife SOS transit facility for medical attention.
At the facility, the civet received necessary treatment, including wound dressing over a 24-hour period of observation and care. Once the veterinary team confirmed the animal was in stable condition and fit for release, the Civet was subsequently released into a suitable forested habitat.
The Asian palm civet is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Predominantly a nocturnal mammal, the species plays an important ecological role as a seed disperser, contributing to forest regeneration. Encounters involving civets in urban and peri-urban areas are becoming increasingly common as natural habitats shrink, green cover declines and wildlife is forced to navigate human-dominated landscapes.
Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO, Wildlife SOS, said, “The swift and responsible actions of the LIC office staff were key to this rescue. By securing the library and alerting our helpline immediately, they ensured the civet remained safe and contained until our team arrived. Urban wildlife encounters are becoming increasingly common, and this is precisely the kind of informed and calm response that ensures the safest possible outcome for both people and wildlife.”
Baiju Raj MV, Director – Conservation Projects, Wildlife SOS, said, “Asian palm civets are shy, nocturnal animals that rarely venture into human spaces willingly. When they do, it often reflects the growing overlap between expanding urban spaces and wildlife habitats. We are glad this animal received timely care and is now back where she belongs.
Wildlife SOS.
