In a previous post, I mentioned the Kalandar rehabilitation program, run by Wildlife S.O.S in India. This program provides support and training for those who previously made their living by being dancing bear masters. Once the Kalandars adopt a new livelihood, they turn their bears over to one of Wildlife S.O.S.’s sanctuaries.

In a similar vein, this past Sunday, there was a concert in Delhi consisting of music performed by musicians who used to be snake charmers. Thankfully, snakes are now protected by law, and these people, who knew no other way to earn a living are without work. According to Wildlife S.O.S’s website:

Most of the snakes rescued from the snake charmers suffer from severe dehydration. Some of the rescued snakes, e.g. cobras, have badly infected mouths as a result of the improper and unhygienic technique employed to remove their fangs and venom glands. Often, it has been seen that the mouths of pythons have been tied with small plastic ropes to ensure that they do not bite when they are taken out for display on roadsides.

Now, the music of former snake charmers is being promoted and younger ones are being trained as wildlife educators. Read more about the concert.