Sahil Bhisso Gaonkar

Sanctuary’s Young Naturalist Award 2025
A young person driven by their love for nature, someone who takes proactive steps to protect and conserve the wild. This person sets the bar for commitment to the planet, and pours energy into building a sustainable future where they and their dear wildlife can be healthy.

Sahil Bhisso Gaonkar
Wildlife rescuer, naturalist, emerging voice

At just 19, Sahil Bhisso Gaonkar’s love for wildlife runs deep, rooted in the curiosity and affection that began in his school days. For him, protecting snakes and other wildlife is also about safeguarding the environment for generations to come. Photo Courtesy: Sahil Bhisoo Gaonkar.

Be it in the ever-growing metropolises of our country, the small towns that still hold pockets of green, or the villages that continue to coexist with non-human life – wildlife persists. It survives in the shadows, in quiet corners, often unnoticed. A snake slithering into a neighbourhood, a bird trapped in a net, a civet fallen into a well… such moments happen everywhere, prompting ordinary people to seek help. The name of such help is wildlife rescuers – a quiet, steadfast force of individuals who act not for recognition or reward, but out of compassion, instinct, and a belief in a kinder world where humans and wildlife can coexist. Sahil Bhisso Gaonkar is one such rescuer. His work, a reflection of empathy and hope in action.

At just 19 years old, Sahil’s connection with wildlife runs deep, rooted in the curiosity and affection that began in his school days. His passion for the natural world was first sparked by his teacher Devendra Tawadkar, at Tudal High School in South Goa. What began as classroom curiosity soon grew into a lifelong commitment to protecting the creatures he once only read about.

By the time Sahil was in Class 8, he had already begun rescuing non-venomous snakes, small animals, and birds displaying an impressive ability to identify species at such a young age. His journey took a defining turn when he met Harish Chodankar, a seasoned wildlife rescuer with the Canacona Forest Department. Watching Harish at work, Sahil not only learned the techniques of safely handling snakes but also gained a deeper understanding of their behaviour and importance in the ecosystem. Under Harish’s mentorship, Sahil’s confidence and skills grew as did his commitment to the cause.

He went on to receive formal training from two leading NGOs – Animal Rescue Squad (ARS) in Dicholim and Study Awareness of Wildlife and Environment (SAWE) in Ponda. These experiences sharpened his knowledge and refined his techniques, preparing him to handle a range of rescue operations with professionalism and care.

In September 2024, Sahil joined the Canacona Territorial Forest Department as a wildlife rescuer. Since then, he has been on call across the region, responding to emergencies with calm instinct and quiet courage. In just one year, he has rescued around 400 snakes, along with several birds, palm civets, and monitor lizards, ensuring their safe release back into their natural habitats.

His first rescue was a Whitaker’s boa that had fallen from a rooftop while hunting rats. Among his most challenging rescues was an Indian cobra whose jaw was trapped in a net, a heart-wrenching sight that left a lasting impression on him. These experiences deepened Sahil’s understanding that rescue work is only one part of the mission; the other is awareness. He often speaks to people about the vital role these animals play in maintaining ecological balance and why their presence matters.

Despite the risks involved, Sahil’s love for nature keeps him going. For him, saving snakes and other wildlife is also about protecting the environment not just for today, but for generations to come. Supported by his proud family, he continues to respond to every call with humility and courage.

In young rescuers like Sahil, there lies a quiet reassurance that compassion is not extinct, that hope still breathes through every act of rescue. They are the bridge between humans and the wild, showing us that coexistence is not just possible, it is essential.

Sahil Bhisso Gaonkar has shown exemplary bravery and compassion at a young age in saving wild animals. His curiosity about the wonders of nature has inspired many like himself to become future environmental stewards. For this we honour Sahil Bhisso Gaonkar with a Sanctuary Young Naturalist Award, 2025.