Wings of Hope: TCfR’s Visit to Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary

In August 2025, TCfR travelled to Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, where the team was warmly welcomed by village Panchayat Secretary Dhadiveeran, community leader Parivai Monthan Palbandi, and hosted by ex-president Ramasuppu, along with Ms. Arul Little Snita S and  Sinilock. Hospitality was extended further by Chairman Subha Railu of Moolakaruppati, who opened the doors of his 150-year-old ancestral home — a living symbol of heritage and tradition.

A Sanctuary of Global Significance 

The centrepiece of the visit was the Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary, South India’s largest breeding ground for waterbirds. Guided by local bird tracker Balpandi, TCfR witnessed the remarkable spectacle of migration already in motion.

Good rains this year have filled the sanctuary’s lakes, creating the perfect haven for thousands of pelicans, egrets and ibises. Comb ducks and spot-billed ducks have begun breeding, while flocks of bar-headed geese — ringed for scientific study — have also arrived from Central Asia. By mid-January, the arrival of painted storks is expected to reach its peak, renewing hopes of seeing chicks after several years. 

As Balpandi explained, “Koonthankulam is a thaiveedu for all the birds — a mother’s home where they come to breed, then leave, and always return again to breed.”

People at the Heart of Conservation 

What sets Koonthankulam apart is not only its biodiversity but also its people. The sanctuary is actively safeguarded by the villagers, who protect nesting birds and fledglings as part of daily life. For locals like Palbandi, a lifelong bird lover, conservation is both a passion and a responsibility. He proudly recalled meeting Prince William during his visit to Kerala, a symbol of the global recognition their efforts have gained.

Building Bridges Across Borders 

Beyond conservation, the visit sparked conversations about the historic links between Tirunelveli and Lincolnshire, England. Villages in the region expressed keen interest in building eco-partnerships with TCfR, exploring opportunities to combine environmental protection with community development. 

Health, education and cultural exchange also featured in discussions, ensuring that the partnership will strengthen both people and nature.

Looking Ahead 

As thousands of wings fill the skies above Koonthankulam, TCfR’s visit highlighted how global partnerships can take flight from local roots. The sanctuary stands not only as a haven for birds but as a living example of what can be achieved when communities, heritage and international collaboration come together.