Mohammad Zabi Khan, better known as Zabi Khan, is an animal rights activist in India. He is the founder of the non-governmental organization Barking Place.
Wiki/Biography
Zabi Khan was born on Wednesday, June 11, 1997 (age 23 in 2020) in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. His zodiac sign is Gemini. He graduated in Computer Science from KG Reddy College of Engineering and Technology (KGRCET), Hyderabad. When Zabi was in eighth grade (about 13 years old), he came across an abandoned German Shepherd puppy on the street and since he couldn’t find the owner, he took the puppy home. He named the puppy Casanova. Two days later, the puppy fell ill and died. Recalling his puppy Casanova, Zabi said in an interview,
Two days later, he fell ill. My father and I took him to the doctor, but Casanova died that night. The doctor told my father that he had a severe bacterial infection — which was probably why he was abandoned. He was my first pet, and I was devastated.”
That day, Zabi promised himself that he would not let any animal suffer like Casanova had, and soon he began volunteering with local NGOs and animal shelters.
appearance
Height (approximate): 5′ 7″
Hair color: Black (dyed blonde)
Eye color: Black
Family and caste
Not much is known about his parents. Zabi has an elder sister, Shumaila Syed.
Profession
After noticing the shortage of organizations dedicated to rehabilitating abandoned and abused dogs, Zabi decided to start his own organization. With the support of his family, he founded the NGO Barking Place in 2014. The NGO is headquartered near his home.
When Zabi started pursuing an engineering degree, he found it difficult to manage an NGO. It was then that he came up with the idea of opening an animal shelter within the college campus. He discussed the idea with the authorities and convinced them to support the cause. With the opening of a shelter for abandoned animals within his college, KG Reddy College of Engineering and Technology (KGRCET) became the first animal-friendly educational campus in India.
Zabi Khan University Campus
The shelter not only houses dogs but also other animals such as cats, rabbits, turkeys and ducks. Students and faculty members of the college volunteer to protect these animals.
Zabi Khan addresses students and faculty of his college
In 2020, Zabi participated in the game reality show “MTV Roadies Revolution” with the aim of spreading awareness about protecting abandoned animals.
Awards and Achievements
- Ashoka the Young Adventurer (2017)
- Young Citizens Rising (2017)
- National Youth Modesty Icon (2018)
- Telangana Pride Award (2018)
- V Awards by United Nations Volunteers India (2019)
Zabi Khan won the award
- On December 5, International Volunteer Day (2020), he was recognized as one of the best volunteers in India by the United Nations and Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju
Zabi Khan won the award
Favorite things
- Sports: Football, Basketball
- Artists: Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Auburn
- Movies: Ghost Rider (2007), The Twilight Saga (2008)
- TV shows: Bigg Boss, MTV Roadies
- Book: The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis
Facts/Trivia
- In his spare time he enjoys reading and traveling.
- In 2018, Zabi was nominated for India’s fourth highest civilian award, the Padma Shri.
- His NGO, A Place to Bark, organizes adoption drives every six months. In an interview, Zabi said of the drive:
We recently (2018) organised a large adoption drive at Numaish, a popular event in Nampally. We were able to find people to adopt 28 Indian puppies in a single day.”
- Zabi also collaborated with fashion designers in Hyderabad to organise a fashion show centred around animal cruelty.
- As of 2020, Zabi himself has 8 abandoned dogs at home. Once, when talking about his pets, Zabi said:
They are free animals. I let them roam around and do what they want to do.”
- He is the youngest animal rights activist in India. As of 2020, Zabi has rescued more than 3,000 animals.
Categories: Biography
Source: HIS Education