Ajita Pandey, a devoted nursing officer from central India’s Chhattisgarh and an ardent animal lover, has gained recognition for her extraordinary passion for rescuing snakes. Renowned for her fearless and composed demeanor, she has rightfully earned the nickname “Snake Girl.”

The latest incident unfolded in the Bilaspur district on November 26, 2022.

Visuals showed Ajita approaching a sticky, hardbound adhesive cover where a small snake was trapped, struggling to free itself. With calm precision, she opened the cover and delicately rescued the tiny creature. She then gently washed and caressed the snake, her serene smile underscoring her fearlessness and empathy.

Speaking to Newslions, Ajita shared her belief in harmonious coexistence between humans and snakes, emphasizing their vital role in maintaining ecological balance. She acknowledged that most people react with fear when encountering snakes and highlighted her mission to educate the public about safe rescue practices and the importance of releasing snakes into suitable habitats.

Ajita’s love for animals stems from her upbringing in a home shared with 18–20 cows and 5–6 dogs. Her fascination with snakes began at the age of 18 after an encounter with snake charmers in Chhattisgarh. Over the past decade, she has rescued thousands of snakes, dedicating herself to this cause.

In 2015, Ajita reached out to the forest department and animal welfare NGOs to deepen her knowledge of snake species. Offering her rescue services free of charge, she became a volunteer with organizations like Pratiksha Snake Cell, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, and the Wildlife Conservation Society, where she now serves as Deputy Secretary.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ajita tirelessly assisted people while continuing her snake rescue efforts. Her dedication has earned her a world record for the “most snakes rescued by one person.”