Vadodara: Wildlife activist Rakesh Vadhvana, one of the most sought-after crocodile rescuers of the city, died of a massive heart attack on Monday. Vadhvana was just 43 and is survived by his wife and 16-year-old son.“He had bought a new washing machine that was delivered on Monday. Rakesh took it up alone to the third floor of this house in Harni. After a while, he started feeling uneasy and breathless. He told his wife who called an ambulance. He vomited for a while before becoming unconscious.” said Anil Gohil, an animal activist who worked with Vadhvana.“The doctors at SSG Hospital said that he had suffered a massive heart attack. Vadhvana died during the treatment,” Gohil told TOI.Animal activist Neha Patel, who worked with Vadhvana, said, “He was very passionate about saving animals and reptiles. I had learnt a lot about wildlife from him. From fire brigade to airport authorities and common citizens, he was the first one to get animal rescue calls,” Patel said.Vadhvana had been volunteering as animal activist for last 15 years. He had earlier worked with late animal activist Snehal Bhatt but later he formed his own group. He was an expert in catching crocodiles and often risked his life to do his job.His friends remember him as a daring rescuer who didn't mind going deep down in well to rescue reptiles. He also participated in the crocodile census."He would get up late in the nights and travel long distances to rescue animals and reptiles," his friends said. He also taught the art of rescuing animals to his son who too joined joined him sometimes.Vadhvana will be cremated at Khaswadi crematorium on Tuesday at 10 am.

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