Last month, among the bullocks, dogs, donkeys, and horses who comprise the group’s standard clientele were some very unusual patients: four monitor lizards.

For years, monitor lizards have been poached for their flesh and skin, but a bizarre trend surfaced last year in which scam artists sell the genitalia of male monitor lizards, marketing them as a fictitious plant root that brings good luck. Recently, three lizards were confiscated from poachers, and Animal Rahat confiscated a fourth from the office of a local politician.

Because monitor lizards are a protected species, the Forest Department was holding them, but they were in bad shape. Their legs were injured from being tied tightly with ropes by the poachers. An Animal Rahat team paid them regular visits for several days, dressing their wounds and providing pain relief. As time went on, the lizards became more active and mobile.

Two made a full recovery within a week and were released into a safe habitat. The other two are still rehabilitating and will be released soon.