Search for: CHANCHAL

It is rare to see individuals emerge carefree and bubbly after enduring numerous harrowing challenges in their early lives. However, our beloved rescued pachyderm Chanchal, at the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC), is a testament to her strength of spirit and resilience. Despite facing numerous hardships earlier in life, Chanchal is[…]

Today, Chanchal’s journey with us crosses the ten-year mark, as she happily celebrates her 10th rescueversary with us! Chanchal has been with Wildlife SOS through thick and thin, and she has seen the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre grow, and welcomed various new elephants to the Wildlife SOS family. This traumatized elephant suffered from […]

For Chanchal’s keeper, Manekchand, there was nothing but immense love for animals that guided him through his life. Six years ago, when Manekchand joined Wildlife SOS, he felt an instant connection with Chanchal as he would witness her splash around in her pool and give her dear friend, Bijli, tough competition for getting treats from her pipe[…]

Year of rescue: 2012 Age at the time of rescue: 16 years Sex: Female Personality traits: Mischievous and playful Recognisable features: Ends of both her ears are torn; symmetrical depigmentation on the borders of her ears Present health condition: Presently not undergoing any treatment; medicated foot bath for her feet[…]

One look at Chanchal and you know, she is onto planning some mischief in her head. As she eyes the tyres in her enclosure and patiently waits for her pipe-feeders to be refilled, Chanchal has already planned her next move to finish Bijli’s pipe-feeder as well! One look at Chanchal and you will not believe that she was once the victim of a[…]

By Steffi Joseph Playful as ever, Chanchal has lived up to her name with her daily antics, winning hearts every day.  Our 17- year old is a water baby and spends much time rolling in the pond.Her name is just enough to bring a grin on the face of our vets and mahouts. Chanchal was rescued on the 30th of June, 2012 after a road accident in Noida.[…]

By Resham Beri, Chanchal, one of our rescued elephants  is currently under going treatment for a digestive disorder.   We began to worry about her well being yesterday morning when she was uncharacteristically disinterested in food.    When she continued to reject fruits and other food throughout the day, the concern for her health[…]

By Aishuwarya Sudarshan On the morning of 29th June 2012 a very tragic accident was witnessed in Noida, on the outskirts of Delhi. A speeding truck hit two elephants walking without reflectors, killing one elephant and injuring the second elephant severely! The mahouts of both elephants were injured and the truck driver vanished from the crime[…]

Consider this: An employee reaches their workplace on time every day, completes each task assigned, and meets all targets. For such excellent performance, the staff member is rewarded with a gift card at the end of every month, which motivates the employee to repeat this behaviour in the upcoming months as well. This practice of encouraging an[…]

Elephants are known for their colossal size, strength, complex behaviours, and remarkable intelligence. These highly social animals possess well-developed cognitive and sensory capacities adapted to their natural environments. In the wild, elephants lead dynamic lives, constantly engaged in activities related to foraging, grazing, and defending[…]

Being able to shine the spotlight on our veterinarians is always fascinating as they open up a dimension of interesting stories and life experiences. Our staff focus for this month is Dr. E. Gochalan, who works and fights as a veterinary officer with Wildlife SOS, and holds elephants very dear to his heart (so much so that he even has a tattoo of […]

Have you been following the action at the 2024 Paris Olympics? Well, we imagined what our own version would look like with our resident elephants as the athletes. Presenting the 2024 El-ympics! Wildlife SOS Elephants Go for Gold(en) Watermelons Our resident pachyderms joined in on the fun and celebrated with the rest of the world to bring[…]

Laxmi’s larger-than-life persona and playful antics have made her a favourite amongst our staff and supporters! Rescued in 2013 as a begging elephant from Maharashtra, Laxmi came under our care as an obese elephant. The year 2024 marks her 11th year at Wildlife SOS’s Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC), where the relentless care she[…]

Who is a friend? A friend is indeed a blessing in disguise! Having a friend is important for several reasons. You laugh more, you heal better, and you grow together. Having the company of friends feels like a breath of fresh air one needs time and again.  Maya and Phoolkhali, the two best friends at ECCC, share a special bond with a few[…]

What comes first to your mind when you hear the word “endangered”? Well, the literal definition of this word is “in danger of completely disappearing”. In other words, this means threatened species on the list are at the risk of getting wiped off from the face of the Earth. However, despite the many measures taken around the world to[…]

In the last decade since she was rescued, Laxmi has shown us her beautiful nature filled with love and playfulness. A resident at the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC) in Mathura, the 29-year-old pachyderm starts her day in an environment that is very different compared to her past. This month, we focus on lively Laxmi, and how she is[…]

Save The Elephant Day is celebrated every year on April 16th with a mission to raise awareness about the different kinds of dangers elephants face, and is a way to encourage people to conserve these majestic, gentle giants. On this occasion this year, Wildlife SOS was graced by Adah Sharma, a critically acclaimed Indian actress. Her love for[…]

In the heart of India's wildlife-rich landscapes, animals face numerous challenges, ranging from health issues to human-wildlife conflicts. Understanding the urgency to address these concerns, Wildlife SOS initiated impactful awareness workshops and health camps to safeguard the well-being of animals in the state of Assam, Madhya Pradesh, and[…]

The most identifiable features of an elephant are their trunks and the size of their body. There are three extant species of elephants – African savanna, African forest and Asian elephants. Despite being the same animal, these species are different from one another, due to which they are often referred to as cousins. It is a known fact that[…]

Do animals have emotions? The question has riddled many minds over the centuries. Art, literature, and cinema have often depicted various animals with an ability to demonstrate emotions just the way humans do. This is largely due to our tendency to anthropomorphise animals, but interestingly, research has shown that animals actually do have a[…]

Much like humans, animals share a love-hate relationship with the monsoon as well. While we make sure to take out our umbrellas and plan our days according to the weather forecast, how do animals get ready to tackle the rain? A cloudy day tempts us to indulge in pakoras (fritters) during the rain, but have you ever wondered what animals like to[…]

Laxmi was rescued in 2003 from a peculiar situation. Her journey of healing is closely intertwined with our own growth as an organisation that strongly believes in the care of rescued elephants. From her rescue operation, to her veterinary treatments and her current care, Laxmi has challenged us at each step to find smarter, refined and[…]

We live in a world where screeching tires and shattering sounds of metal have taken over the harmony of the wild. In this unfortunate reality, wild animals often find themselves at the mercy of expanding human infrastructure and the roads connecting them. Massive vehicles are now predators in concrete jungles, and animals, big or small, often[…]

As one of the first Indian wildlife charities to reach over a hundred thousand subscribers on YouTube, Wildlife SOS has been awarded the Silver Play Button. This Creator Award from YouTube is a testament to the organisation's efforts to promote its cause on the well-known video-sharing website. The YouTube Silver Play Button was awarded to[…]

As the first rays of sunlight escape the veil of wispy clouds, the elephant caregivers arrive at the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC) in Mathura. They walk towards the various elephant enclosures, glance over the jumbos in deep sleep and make sure that they are all set to start the day. Some of the jumbos, like young Walnut, are[…]

At the point where two mighty rivers Ganga and Gandak converge, Asia’s largest cattle fair takes place — the Sonepur Mela. Though it was established way back during the Mauryan empire, Sonepur Mela continues to attract people from far and wide even today. Thousands gather every year to engage in the trade of cattle, which sometimes even[…]

Bamboo is one of the most important plant species in the world. In India, it is widely distributed over 15.69 million hectares of land. Of the nearly 148 species found here, most have been recorded from the north-eastern parts of the country. Bamboo grows at a fast rate, and is a vital resource. It is useful as food (fodder, pulp and edible[…]

Mercury levels are hitting records of up to 49°C in the hotter parts of the country, which is basically the Summer saying, “Look! I am here.” Since the summer season can be difficult in India due to being located in the tropics, the dedicated team at Wildlife SOS ensures that a summer care plan is implemented to help our elephants and bears […]

In modern civilisations, one thing that has changed human society remarkably is the construction of roads. Roads not only made far-off places more accessible, they also unlocked the doors for trade. It can be said that those were the first opportunities to interact with more varied people and cultures. It’s true that roads help us in many ways[…]

Wildlife SOS has always been grateful for the dedicated support that it has garnered over the years from people across the world. Our team has been actively working towards the welfare of wild animals and human communities in need. We have rescued numerous wild animals and over 300 animals are in long term care at our rescue facilities all[…]

The newest member of our pachyderm family, Lakshmi, continues to settle in her new home, surrounded by love and care provided by our dedicated team. We think now is the right time to draw your attention to the two (very different) elephants - Laxmi and Lakshmi. Due to the same pronunciation of their names, we understand where your queries lie.[…]

You might be wondering where the question mark is in that query. But for us at Wildlife SOS, it is not a question but a reality which we have been dealing with for a long time, and still do. So we will try to answer what a begging elephant is as best as we can. These elephants are emaciated and malnourished, and made to walk on the streets of[…]

In 1996, Wayne Hepburn, owner of Mission Media, received an elephant paperweight as a gift from his daughter. This triggered Wayne’s fascination with the majestic pachyderms, and he went on to create Elephant Appreciation Day, celebrated on the 22nd of September every year. Despite its rather facile origin, Elephant Appreciation Day evolved[…]

What do Coconut, Laxmi, Ramu and Zara share in common? Apart from the fact that they’re all rescued from traumatic conditions, they are all highly mischievous and the youngest residents of the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre. Learn all about how we care for the young elephants. [Photo (c) Wildlife SOS/Mradul[…]

In her pioneering speech, We Should All Be Feminists, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie said, “We raise girls to see each other as competitors.” Commenting on female bonds, Adieche stated that society teaches girls to constantly compete, losing out on the ability to form tight-knit friendships with one another.  As society progresses,[…]

Communications superstar and an avid lover of all that nature has to offer, this month’s staff highlight is a member of our team, known, loved and respected by everyone. Her infectious laughter and vivacious personality makes her the best team lead one could ever ask for. This month, we bring you the story of Ms. Suvidha Bhatnagar. Suvidha[…]

As maximum temperatures reach up to 47 degrees Celsius in parts of Uttar Pradesh, the team at the Elephant Conservation & Care Centre, Mathura have taken innovative measures to help the elephants beat that summer heat! At ECCC, all 28 resident pachyderms have access to their very own Jumbo swimming pools as well as water sprinklers that[…]

Lavanya takes a walk with Chanchal at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre. Lavanya Raju is the Director of Finance and Administration based in our small Utah, USA office. She joined Wildlife SOS in 2015. You can often find Lavanya working closely with our supporters on questions about their monthly donations, estate[…]

June 13, 2023 Throughout our Volunteering Program the health and well-being of you and our staff is paramount. Please be assured that we will follow current government recommended guidelines at all times, and we ask that you also do the same. Keeping our staff healthy ensures they can care for the many animals at our rescue centres. If you are […]

Year of rescue: 2020 Age at the time of rescue: 50 years old Sex: Male Personality traits: Calm but can get moody  Recognisable features: Significantly torn ears resembling Chanchal’s; tall stature; small tusks Present health condition: Septic spiked chain wounds on his hind limbs, overgrown and disfigured[…]

Bijli, whose name means ‘lightning’ in Hindi, truly lives up to her name and is always keeping her companions and caregiver on their toes with her antics. This gentle giant has undertaken a journey of ten years to recover from a tumultuous past and has transformed into a strong, confident elephant. Here’s  celebrating the[…]

Caring for over 30 rescued elephants, everyday that is spent caring for these gentle giants becomes the best opportunity for us to appreciate them. The way to a pachyderm’s heart is definitely through the stomach so over the last couple years, our team has been organising the annual ‘Jumbo Buffet’ in honour of Elephant Appreciation[…]

Time and again, your feeds on social media will be filled with one of our rescued elephants splashing around in the pools in their enclosures or napping comfortably in it. More often than not, an image of our elephants completely submerged in water with just a trunk lazily hanging on the edge shows their complete relaxation and joy. In the[…]

Fondly known as the “munchkin of Wildlife SOS”, with her short and pudgy stature and the perfectly depigmented borders of her ears, Laxmi has been winning hearts since the day she arrived at the Elephant Conservation and Care Center.  Laxmi’s rescue was an extremely unique one for all of us to witness, at Wildlife SOS. Laxmi enjoying a[…]

Our elephants have the chance at life once again, due to the care and compassion of our elephant keepers, who work day-in and day-out so that our elephants are comfortable and content. Of one such large-hearted man is Babu lal, Asha and Suzy’s keeper, who hails from a village near Palwal, Haryana and has dedicated their entire life into taking[…]

Year of rescue: 2013 Age at the time of rescue: 18 years Sex: Female Personality traits: A complete foodie! Recognisable features: Plump and round; short  Present health condition: Laxmi’s weight is managed by charting out more exercise for her as well as more quantities of green vegetables and fodder Facility:[…]

Year of rescue: 2010 Age at the time of rescue: 30 years old Sex: Female Personality traits: Lively Recognisable features: Symmetrical depigmentation on the border of both her ears; outwardly bent right hind leg Present health condition: Bijli receives medicated foot bath for her torn and delicate footpads and her injured[…]

As Santa Claus found his way down the chimney awaiting some cookies and milk by the fireplace in houses all around the world, our teams at the Agra Bear Rescue Facility and Elephant Conservation and Care Centre, in Mathura, were no less than Santa as they donned bright red attires to bring Christmas home for our rescued elephants and bears. Like[…]

We owe a great deal of gratitude to our supporters across the globe for helping make 2019 a success for wildlife! Wishing you the best, from our HERD to yours! (Laxmi, Chanchal, and Bijli, enjoying their feast)[…]

With just a mere glance at Laxmi, one is overwhelmed by her sheer gigantic size that exceeds even elephantine proportions. While it might incite people to use adjectives like cute, cuddly, cushiony to describe her, our team understands the gravity of her extra weight. Prior to her rescue in 2013, Laxmi was a begging elephant in the bustling city[…]

Extending her support to save the Asian elephants, Miss Universe Great Britain 2018, Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers appealed to supporters and wildlife enthusiasts to save India’s heritage animal and contribute to the efforts of wildlife conservation. Supporting the cause of Wildlife SOS, Miss. Kentish-Rogers visited the Wildlife SOS Elephant[…]

An Indian stage and film actor, Jim Sarbh, with his riveting on-screen presence has recently exposed his latent love for animals. With his concern for wildlife conservation, the actor supported Wildlife SOS’ cause by volunteering at the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre, Mathura and the Agra Bear Rescue Facility. The actor spent five days[…]

Bollywood actor Sidharth Malhotra first discovered the heartbreaking reality of the lives of India’s captive elephants through the story of one such elephant – Gajraj. A nationwide campaign for Gajraj’s freedom from his life as a captive elephant, highlighting his desperate need for immediate veterinary intervention, moved the actor and he[…]

We set up our Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in Mathura in 2010, as the first and only one of its kind to care for and rehabilitate illegally owned, sick and injured elephants from across the country. One of the inspiring and guiding influences in our journey with elephants has been the indomitable Sangduen Chailert, fondly called Lek, the[…]

It’s been around two weeks since Priyanka arrived at the safety of the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre, Mathura, giving us some time to really get to know the delightful new elephant in our care. She seems to be taking her time settling in at her new home, and is still a little cautious when approached by new people, but this is[…]

Nearly every elephant in captivity has been caught from the wild, snatched from its family and mother by ruthless poachers – and then enslaved for the entirety of its life. The exploitation of elephants is not only horrifying in terms of the mental and physical impact it has on individual elephants in captivity, but also the extreme detrimental[…]

Laxmi was 18 years old when we first heard about her. She worked as a begging elephant in the state of Maharashtra, standing outside a temple with her companion elephant and begging for alms from the devotees that visited. Every day, as devotees thronged the temple, the two elephants would stand mournfully at the entrance, gingerly picking money[…]

March has been quite a star studded month for Wildlife SOS with Grammy winning musician Ricky Kej visiting our Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Center in Bangalore, followed by renowned Indian cricketer Yusuf Pathan and his wonderful family making a trip to our Elephant Conservation & Care Center and Agra Bear Rescue Facility in Uttar Pradesh. They[…]

Earlier this month, we played host to Jaime Lee Faulkner-Miss Universe Great Britain 2016, who was on a four day tour to India and decided to pay a brief visit to our Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in Mathura. Going beyond pageantry and a life of glamour, Jaime is using her title to make a difference to the world by empowering young women, […]

Mandya, Karnataka. 20th November 2015. The amusement park is deserted, its muddy grounds drenched in steady rainfall. But for the sound of splashing raindrops, it’s eerily quiet- you’d almost think it was empty. But, under the cemented awning of a half-built, long-ignored building, four large figures stand, with their heads bobbing[…]

The United States Ambassador to India, Mr. Richard Verma, and his wonderful family stopped by the Agra Bear Rescue Facility and Elephant Conservation and Care Centre on Sunday to spend an entire day with the rescued animals on site. The Ambassador and his family started their visit by meeting the staff at the Agra Bear Rescue Facility and taking a […]

Tell us who you are and how you started working with Wildlife SOS? My name is Steve Koyle and I’m the Senior Elephant Keeper at the Phoenix Zoo.  I’ve been working with elephants for almost 13 years.  I had the honor of meeting Kartick and Geeta three years ago at an elephant conference in Oakland, CA.  I became inspired by the work of[…]

For Raju, a new life of freedom began after 50 years of cruelty, when he was rescued by Wildlife SOS and brought to the Elephant Conservation and Care Center, Mathura in Uttar Pradesh. Initially shy and weak, it took him a few weeks to familiarize himself with the surroundings and realize that he could roam around free without spiked anklets[…]

Raju was rescued a little over one month ago.  After 50 years in chains, he is now learning the joys of being free and is getting the love and care he deserves.  Here is a photo journal of some of these highlights. One of the first things Raju needed was veterinary care to the wounds that covered his body.  The wounds on his body were from[…]

We are often asked the question of why it costs so much to rescue an elephant.  The above before and after photo of Bhola is a good visual of the difference we can make when we do it right.  In order to provide the proper rehabilitation, it takes a signficant financial investment.  There are other organizations that 'rescue' elephants and keep[…]

by Suvidha Bhatnagar Wildlife SOS is proudly celebrating “Be Kind to Animals Week” from 5th May to 10th May. It was a tough call to select pictures and experiences from thousands of supporters worldwide. A boy named Rohan made this challange pretty easy for us. Rohan Joshua Woodcock is a 9 year old child who visited Wildlife SOS’s Elephant […]

By Resham Beri Laxmi, who was rescued by Wildlife in July 2013 from Mumbai, is now well settled in at the Elephant Rescue Center in Mathura,  She is a playful pachyderm and her health is improving.  She absolutely loves food and enjoys eating a variety of fruits.  Apples appear to be her favorite.  She tends to be a little territorial about[…]

I had been riding on trains, planes and taxis it felt for 72 hours straight. During these travels I felt that I had been unceremoniously stowed either in the overhead compartment or in my nylon duffle bag pressed up against the snake hooks. Therefore, I was feeling like I needed a petite elephant to walk across my back to help me unwind and[…]

Working with elephants is a dream that many people have.  But what is it really like to work with an animal that can weigh more than five tons or 5,000 kg?  We bring you our 4th interview in a series that we are doing on the people who make the work of Wildlife SOS possible.  This one is with Dr. Yaduraj, who is the Senior Wildlife Veterinary[…]