New Delhi’s The Grand five-star hotel had a surprising guest as an Asian Palm Civet decided to visit the premises of the hotel. The distressed creature was spotted by the alert staff of the Hotel while it was making its way to the staff room. Concerned about its well-being, they contacted the Wildlife SOS Rapid Response Unit.

The 24-hour helpline facility immediately dispatched a two-member team to look into the matter and rescue the creature. With the help of all the necessary equipment, the team managed to put the Asian Palm Civet into a transportation carrier and moved it away from the site.

On examining the animal no injuries or signs of stress were found. It is under observation and will be soon released in its natural habitat.

Also called toddy cat, the Asian Palm Civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), is a long mongoose-like mammal, capable of surviving in a wide range of habitats. Native to South and Southeast Asia, this species is protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Wildlife SOS Special Projects Manager, Wasim Akram talking about the animal observed: “Asian Palm Civets play an integral role in the ecosystem by controlling the rodent population and dispersing seeds of fruits they feed on. Thus, it is integral to conserve this species.”

The CEO of the NGO, Kartick Satyanarayan remarked that civet cats are often sighted in the Vasant Kunj area where The Grand as it has green spaces. “It is heartening to see people act out of compassion and empathy for urban wildlife. We request the public to keep supporting our cause and immediately report any such situations on our helpline number.”