Chhaya: A Sanctuary for the Forgotten Bulls and Abandoned Male Calves

In a world where cows are revered, their male counterparts often suffer a fate of neglect and cruelty. At Chhaya, we have become a permanent home for the countless abandoned male calves and injured bulls who would have otherwise been left to die on the streets or sent to slaughterhouses.

In the dairy industry, male calves are considered worthless because they cannot produce milk. Many are abandoned on the roads right after birth, left to starve, be run over by vehicles, or fall prey to illegal slaughter. Over time, we have rescued more than 40 abandoned male calves from across Howrah and Kolkata. At Chhaya, they are no longer seen as “useless”—they are given a safe haven where they are cared for and loved.

Some rescues are particularly heartbreaking. In Chakdah, we found a bull whose horns had been brutally cut with a sharp object, leaving deep, open wounds that became infested with maggots. The agony he endured was unimaginable, but with intensive medical treatment and care, he has now healed and lives peacefully at Chhaya.

In Gangasagar, a bull lost his leg simply for wandering into someone’s maize field. In an act of sheer cruelty, his leg was chopped off, leaving him in unbearable pain. Fortunately, the police department intervened and brought him to Chhaya, where he now receives specialized care. Though he will never walk on four legs again, he has found safety and love here.

These rescues are made possible by our hydraulic rescue vehicle, which allows us to reach the most critical cases and transport injured or abandoned cattle safely. No matter how far or how severe the case, we ensure that these innocent beings get a second chance at life.

For these bulls and calves, Chhaya is not just a shelter—it is home. Here, they are not measured by their utility but cherished for their existence.