Co-Existence in Five Gardens, Matunga: A Haven for
Animals Amidst Urban Chaos
Ms. Vaishnavi Jadhav,
Vaishnavi.Jadhav.bdes2028@atlasskilltech.university
ATLAS Skilltech University, Mumbai
Five Gardens, located in Matunga, Mumbai, is one of the few green pockets left in our
fast-developing city and is known for its lush trees and open spaces. The spot has gradually
become a darling for most humans who crave fresh air and a moment of peace. But beyond being
an escape from noisy sounds, Five Gardens is also a sanctuary home to countless species of
animals, such as stray dogs and cats, squirrels, and birds. As Mumbai grows phenomenally,
animals are forced into ever-smaller island pockets of green in the urban landscape. Five Gardens
is a shelter for them- not just a place to eat and sleep, but a community. Yet, human factors-in
particular, obstruction, pollution, and noise undo the balance these animals enjoyed.
We’ve seen that a few warm-hearted residents are always feeding the animals. The sight of these
people going out of their way to provide food and care for the animals, so they have something
to eat, is truly heartwarming. It's inspiring to see just how small acts of kindness can make a
difference in the lives of these creatures, especially in an environment where they wouldn't
otherwise have any means of sustenance.
( Fig. 1, Five Gardens)
A Sanctuary for Strays
In Five Gardens, animals and people share the same
space. Stray dogs and cats take these gardens as
their territory and rest in many comfortable corners
under trees or benches.
Squirrels dart up tree trunks, pausing to nibble on
whatever food they find, and birds find refuge in the
thick tree branches.
A few locals that I have interviewed have said that
“These creatures, born and raised in this
environment, view the gardens as a safe space a
place where they can go about their lives with
relative security heaven for them.”
“The animals here rely on this place not only for
shelter but for sustenance. Every day, they look for
food, some receiving scraps of biscuits or seeds
from good locals passing by.”
Despite the continuous bustling environment, they
seem to have taken some amount of culture among
themselves, co-living and even sharing resources as
if these were their human counterparts.
(Fig. 2, Cat eating food given by one of my friends)
Air Pollution and Its Impact on Animals
Air pollution has been a significant and serious issue affecting the animals in the Five Gardens
region. Just as humans develop various breathing problems and other health-related
complications due to inhaling polluted air, it goes without saying that animals are also not spared
from developing the same kinds of health problems and concerns.
For example, dogs and cats, constantly breathing this polluted air, may unfortunately, be afflicted
with numerous dangerous diseases related to the respiratory system, suffer a visible weakening
of their immunity in general, and develop several skin irritations that can cause them much pain
and agony.
Birds, as well as other birds of smaller sizes, have also been very much affected by the polluted
air because the consequences are extremely harsh on their fragile and sensitive respiratory
systems that are not prepared to face such pollution levels.
Furthermore, the trees within Five Gardens, which offer great shelter and shade for hundreds of
animals, are unfortunately yet another casualty of the harmful air pollutants; these pollutants tend
to cut off the sources of life that are essential for living as necessary tools for survival in the wild
by the many living creatures.
“Despite such obstacles, the creatures of Five Gardens continue to thrive, making the best of the
changing landscape. They are a hopeful group, that finds every means possible to survive in a
world that, sadly, continues to give precedence to urban development at the expense of nature.”
said by a local who walks their dog in the garden
Due to such increasing issues, humans should be mindful of their actions and help these little
creatures who can’t even complain from pain, suffer, and damage our behavior costs them.
(Fig. 3, Sparrow image taken from Google)
The Role of Compassionate Humans
In every society, however, some people recognize the importance of compassion towards
animals. Five Gardens is no exception. Some residents and regular visitors have taken on the role
of caretakers, feeding the animals and ensuring they have access to clean water. These
individuals, often unnoticed by others, play a crucial role in creating a supportive ecosystem
within the gardens. Stray dogs, in particular, are often the beneficiaries of such acts of kindness.
Many people bring dog food, biscuits, or leftover meals to the gardens, ensuring these animals
don’t go hungry. Some dog owners even allow their pets to interact with stray dogs, fostering a
unique bond of friendship between pets and strays. This interaction not only provides
companionship for stray dogs but also teaches domesticated pets about empathy and the
importance of sharing space with others. Squirrels and birds, too, benefit from kind-hearted
individuals who scatter seeds or crumbs.
Children visiting the park with their parents often delight in feeding the squirrels, creating a
heartwarming scene that reflects the beauty of the human-animal connection. These small
gestures may seem unimportant, but they make a significant difference in the lives of the
animals, especially when faced with the larger challenges of urban life.
We as humans should take charge and feed stray animals whenever we can and pet them a little
which makes them feel loved, sometimes a little pet and some food can give you a bond for life
which is something every human should experience. If you pet an animal for a few minutes he
will come running towards you next time due to such acts they feel safe and loved, and dogs
might even protect you.
(Fig. 4, Stray dogs, image taken from google)
Learning from Animals: A Lesson in Co-Existence
Animals are testaments to resilience and adaptability. They occupy Five Gardens despite its
diversity of challenges from human development pollution, and even noise. There's much for
humans to learn from how they live in co-existence. In some ways, these animals embody
resilience and community, which might have been good for us to hold on to.
The stray dogs of Five Gardens have their unwritten law of fraternity among comrades. They
keep an eye on one another, share whatever edible thing there is, and defend their territory.
Squirrels and birds, no matter how minute the location, will find ways to survive without causing
harm to one another; and if these creatures can find ways to live, then surely we, as humans,
must exert ourselves to make our urban spaces more inclusive and supportive of their needs.
This is the ability to share our spaces with animals, an opportunity to learn compassion and
respect for other forms of life. It tells us, after all, that the city isn't just our own and that nature
doesn't stop at the edge of concrete. It inspires us to take the small actions—feeding a stray,
avoiding littering, or simply being kind—that build upon a greater culture of empathy.
Building a More Compassionate Society
To truly foster a society that respects animal life, there’s a need for more awareness and
advocacy. Simple steps like providing food and water stations for stray animals, creating
dedicated quiet zones within public parks, and enforcing stricter regulations on noise and air
pollution can go a long way in making urban spaces more animal-friendly. Schools and
community groups can also play a role by organizing awareness programs that educate people,
especially children, on the importance of treating animals with respect and kindness.
Policies at the city level could also make a difference. Urban planning that takes into account
green corridors for wildlife, pollution control measures, and restricted noise levels in specific
zones can help ease the burden on animals. In addition, supporting local organizations dedicated
to animal welfare can be an effective way to create a larger impact.
A Call for Co-Existence
Five Gardens is a reminder that, humans and animals can cohabitate. Animals have made the
best available space within Five Gardens which has been used as shelter, food source, and
friends in such an urban park with very many human users. The opportunity, therefore, has been
a chance for the people frequenting the park to see this cohabitation carried out in nature for
them to feel the proud value of sharing their space with other people's living things.
As we keep extending our urban landscapes and reach, we must not forget that the earth is a
shared space, home not only to humans but also to countless other species. There is an attitude
fostered by empathy and compassion that can ensure places like Five Gardens are sanctuaries for
animals while remaining havens for people.
It's a simple yet profound reminder that we all have a role to play in preserving the fragile
balance of life on Earth.
In a world where development takes precedence over preservation, Five Gardens stands as proof
that co-habitation is feasible. With consciousness, empathy, and a willingness to share our
territory with creatures, we can build cities that not only let people and animals survive but
flourish together.
REFERENCES
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