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Imagine living your life surrounded by the blaring horns of vehicles. Arya was forced to spend most of her life in similar horrifying conditions, as she trudged through narrow lanes and crowded streets, dotted with broken pieces of glass and pebbles – nowhere near the natural, soft surfaces which elephants are meant to walk on. Being[…]

Sonam, Account Officer at Wildlife SOS, has a heart-to-heart chat with us about her work and her experiences as a part of the Wildlife SOS team! With over eight years of experience under her belt, Sonam is now a veteran at this organisation. What do you do at Wildlife SOS? How long have you been here? I mainly work with everything that[…]

W.B Yeats once said, “Education is not the filling of a pot but the lighting of a fire.” In 2002, Wildlife SOS sparked the flame of education amidst the Kalandar community. Today,  20 years later, this flame has lit up the lives of 1,360 Kalandar children, with more and more gaining access to education.  Education Support is[…]

Making her way to the Yamuna riverside, blind Arya uses her trunk to trace the ground and carefully listens to the natural sounds around her. The excited chirping of birds and the soft current of the river water instantly calms her down as she lifts her trunk in delight. Zara, her dear companion and one of the youngest elephants under our care,[…]

Celebrating two years of the Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital, we decided to mark the special occasion with Arya’s bell removal! Wildlife SOS Co-founder and CEO, Kartick Satyanarayan, with Arya! [Photo (C) Wildlife SOS/Mradul Pathak] Arya is a blind elephant who lost her vision due to an untreated injury in the eye, and has spent most part […]

Arya has rightly lived up to her name, especially with her feisty and indomitable spirit resembling the popular character Arya in the TV series “Game of Thrones”. There is a certain confidence and grace that sets Arya apart from our resident pachyderms, especially in the way she stands, with her head slightly raised and her curious trunk[…]

Enveloped with darkness and worked to the point of over exertion, an ailing and exhausted elephant would timidly make her way through the streets of a small town in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, unsure of the next step that she would take owing to her complete loss of vision. She worked through her blindness bravely and started using her trunk to survey […]

Year of arrival: 2020 Age at the time of arrival: about 50 years-old Sex: Female Personality traits: Capricious and alert Recognisable features: Depigmented borders on her ears, almost as tall as Phoolkali, stands with her head slightly raised Present health condition: Completely blind in both eyes, overgrown and cracked[…]

After weeks of intelligence gathering and careful investigation by the Wildlife SOS Anti-Poaching Unit (Forest Watch), a leopard skin was seized on the outskirts of Delhi in Ballabhgarh and a man named Ram Das was arrested in a night long joint operation carried out by Wildlife SOS, Haryana Forest Department & Haryana Police. On Wednesday[…]

Flanking the dense green jungles of the Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary, the Ch. Surinder Singh Elephant Rehabilitation Centre (ERC) is home to three of Wildlife SOS’ delightful rescued elephants. Our trio of lovely ladies- Erica, Ella and Lilly- can be seen here splashing about in their pools, going on long walks and snacking on their scrumptious[…]

It was an exciting day at the Friendicoes SECA shelter in Gurgaon, Haryana as a team from Accenture came to work as volunteers at the shelter for animals. The eager team consisting of 16 volunteers arrived in the morning and were greeted by Dr. Abhishek, Senior Veterinarian, and the Wildlife SOS and Friendicoes staff present there. Following[…]

With massive deforestation and man animal conflict becoming an everyday occurrence Wildlife SOS once again played nurse to an injured Leopard that fell prey to mob fury in a village in Haryana. The young female Leopard, about 2 years old, had strayed into Ahmadbas village in Mewat district of Haryana. The villagers informed the local forest[…]

Dental health isn't just a concern for humans; it plays a crucial role in the well-being of all rehabilitated animals. From brushing and flossing to prevent cavities, to addressing bacterial films on teeth, proper oral care is essential. Beyond dental implications, good oral health positively influences overall welfare as well, as bacteria[…]

Elephants, the majestic giants of the animal kingdom, possess a remarkable feature that sets them apart – their extraordinary trunk! This incredible appendage, composed of around 150,000 muscle units, ranks them as one of the most sensitive organs found in any mammal. Let us delve into the fascinating world of elephant trunks, exploring their[…]

The Kalandar community has been traditionally known for taming sloth bears for the archaic practice of ‘dancing’ bears. For years, their livelihood depended on the subjugation of sloth bears, perpetuating a harmful activity that not only endangered wildlife, but deprived the people of dignity and opportunity as well. The cycle of poverty and[…]

The year 2023 brought multiple occasions, events and highlights at Wildlife SOS which left a mark on everyone’s hearts. From rescues of wild animals from extreme situations to the introduction of new animals at our centres, we saw it all! Here’s a glimpse of some of our biggest achievements throughout the year.  1. Empowering[…]

A wise person once said, “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” We, at Wildlife SOS, highly believe in this. The ones who choose to volunteer for a purpose, give all of their time to it with the sheer determination of helping those in need.  Volunteering refers to an individual or a group of people[…]

Meet dynamic and effervescent Puja Deb, the Team Lead of Resource Mobilisation and Events at Wildlife SOS. Puja fervently carries out significant responsibilities of her role, tackling every extraordinary challenge with what seems like a breeze. An embodiment of optimism, Puja actively hosts conservation events and awareness sessions across[…]

For Kalandar children, the wide-eyed curiosity with which they turn each page of their school textbooks has a lot to do with the opportunities that their ancestors lacked. As their families shed the past practice of ‘dancing’ bears, these children can now dream of embracing a bright future.  Wildlife SOS’ Kalandar community[…]

It’s that time of the year when the air gets chilly, and an eerie feeling sets over the Wildlife SOS centres. Why, you ask? Because every Halloween, our teams ensure that the resident animals take part in the thrilling festival as well! As an annual tradition, the staff come together to create different Halloween enrichments for the animals[…]

Nestled within the beautiful lands of Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC) and Elephant Hospital Campus (EHC) in Uttar Pradesh are the majestic animals that roam in their vast fields. Meet the gentle giants, whose daily routines are carefully designed with love and care to ensure their physical and mental well-being. Having been rescued[…]

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[…]

During the month of July, India experienced a combination of scorching heat and substantial rainfall, particularly in the northern regions. With major floods affecting various parts of the country, it comes as no surprise that Wildlife SOS’ 24x7 Rapid Response Units found themselves drenched in numerous animal rescue calls. Delhi[…]

Elephants rescued by Wildlife SOS have often endured a life marked by mistreatment, which leaves them emotionally and physically weak to express their natural behaviours. These experiences can lead to physical harm, trauma, fear, and even aggressive tendencies. Years of abuse leave lasting scars upon these elephants who often require long-term[…]

What is trauma? Conveying a deeply disturbing or emotionally damaging experience with long-lasting psychological impact, trauma is regarded as a primary factor behind mental health issues. The word has been used as an anthropocentric concept for time immemorial. However, did you know that trauma can be experienced by different animals as[…]

We have recently witnessed the devastating onslaught of the Yamuna floods in the Delhi-NCR region. The trail of destruction not only affected human lives but has also wreaked havoc on the local wildlife. However, it is essential to recognise that these floods were not a result of nature's whims; instead, they were caused by a combination of[…]

Animals often find themselves in difficult situations due to a fragmented urban landscape. In such cases, their young ones can go through severe stress if not saved on time. Offsprings, especially the newborns, are entirely dependent on their parents and separation for even a tiny moment can be a matter of life and death. Our 24x7 rescue[…]

Animals are ingenious. If they weren’t, surviving in the wild would have been impossible for them. And we are here to talk about their smarts. The animal kingdom is overflowing with creativity, and sitting right at the top of the pyramid are Homo sapiens. Humans have creatively shaped, moulded and terraformed the Earth’s surface like no[…]

Separated from her mother at a tender age to be forced into harsh servitude for the next two decades — such was the life of Zara, till a glimmer of hope finally shone on her path. Zara is one of the youngest elephants at the Elephant Hospital Campus, and her calm, curious and resilient nature fill us with wonder. While her life has seen a[…]

Daisy was a partially blind begging elephant, and one of the last captive elephants of Delhi. When she was rescued, her body carried the scars of ankush (bullhook) wounds, and she was suffering from severe foot ailments such as overgrown toenails and cracked footpads. Like all captive elephants, Daisy was malnourished and her nutrition did not[…]

In the lush landscapes of India that many Asian elephants call home, a captivating tale of gastronomic delight unfolds. These majestic animals, with their massive bodies and gentle demeanour, have appetites as grand as their presence. India's forests provide a symphony of tastes to these elephants, from the succulent grasses that tickle their[…]

In the month of January, Wildlife SOS collaborated with Eco Rescuers Foundation to host and fund a free Bird Treatment Camp in Malviya Nagar, Jaipur. The four-day camp was set up on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a festival where bird casualties are at their highest due to rampant kite-flying. Through the camp, we were able to successfully[…]

If you are living in an urban environment and planning to spend some time in nature, look around closely and you will find jungles within the city. Of course, most cities including the country’s capital are known better as concrete jungles, but you may be surprised to know that Delhi harbours some really old forests. These green spaces are now[…]

There are plenty of animals that inhabit this earth, and to place them under different and specific categories in order to study and understand them, is certainly not an easy task. This is where taxonomy comes in. Taxonomy is the study of the scientific classification of living organisms. One of the first to popularise this system was Aristotle,[…]

From mammals and reptiles to birds, fish and corals — about 6,000 species of animals have been seized from illegal trade globally between 1999 and 2018. In India, most of the seized items that have been procured from animals include mongoose hair, snake skins, rhinoceros horn, tiger and leopard claws, bones, skins, whiskers, elephant tusks,[…]

The Cambridge dictionary defines the word ‘freedom’ as “the condition or right of being able or allowed to do, say, think, etc. whatever you want to, without being controlled or limited.” In this definition, the emphasis on ‘you’, as a human being, is a clear indication. However, who is to speak of this freedom for animals such as[…]

Wildlife conservation has long struggled to include indigenous people within its discourse. Intentionally or unintentionally, indigenous communities have been marginalised from the praxis of conservation, leaving them vulnerable to poverty and discrimination. At Wildlife SOS, we believe that our conservation efforts are most successful when both[…]

As the elephants at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC) in Mathura were preparing for a regular day, they were oblivious to the fact that some special visitors, who had been eagerly waiting to meet them, were on their way! Among them was Miss Universe Great Britain 2022 Noky Simbani, who undertook a conservation[…]

Recently, a group of Assistant Forest Conservator (ACF) officer trainees from the Central Academy for State Forest Service, Coimbatore visited the Wildlife SOS Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF). A total of 43 officer trainees came from six different states — Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, Mizoram and Chhattisgarh. All […]

Seven decades is a long time. When an elephant is taken away from its natural habitat, made to walk on unnatural surfaces and beaten into submission to beg for alms at the hands of a negligent owner, all of it is bound to leave a huge psychological impact. Seventy years (nearly a lifetime) of intense walking immensely harmed her footpads, leaving […]

Elephants under the care of Wildlife SOS suffer from trauma and wounds due to their tragic past of cruelty and abhorrent living conditions. Long periods of negligence, limited space for movement, little or no veterinary care and malnutrition lead to bodily harm. Elephants are found with various physical injuries such as infected wounds,[…]

While deserts are often misunderstood as lifeless habitats, these landscapes serve as a refuge for wildlife. A desert ecosystem has a lot to give to its inhabitants, and in return, the inhabitants safeguard their home. This might shock you, but deserts are the world’s largest terrestrial biome, covering nearly 20% (⅕th) of the Earth’s land[…]

Working with local communities is an integral aspect of wildlife conservation, and Wildlife SOS takes this seriously. Since 2002, Wildlife SOS has helped over 3,000 Kalandars– a community that once tamed Sloth Bears for a living. The Wildlife SOS Kalandar Rehabilitation Programme supports the community by providing alternative livelihoods for[…]

Mahak, a 13-year-old Kalandar girl from Haryana, faced  formidable challenges in her effort to gain education. With a little help from the Wildlife SOS Education Program, Mahak is now receiving an education, and has recently received the first rank in her school examinations. Lack of access to education continues to be one of the biggest[…]

Eyes are windows to the world. For numerous captive Asian elephants, these windows are shattered, leaving them wholly dependent on humans for lifelong care. Over the years, as Wildlife SOS has and continues to rescue injured, crippled, or geriatric elephants from various stressful situations, the most common problem plaguing captive elephants[…]

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 […]

Navigating life in an urban setting is no easy feat, especially for wild animals who were erstwhile residents of virgin forests and dense wilderness. However, as more animals are pushed to the fringes of human settlements, they have been forced to begrudgingly adapt to our noisy concrete jungles. Yet, there may be various perils faced by these[…]

 The fate of women belonging to the Kalandar community, a nomadic group that tamed sloth bears for a living, was once deeply intertwined with the fate of sloth bears. The same Kalandar tradition that bestowed the community's men with the responsibility of taming sloth bears also demanded that women be married off at a young age and confined[…]

Elephants have always been seen across various cultures as a symbol of strength and wisdom. The motif of the Asian elephant has been prevalent in mythology since time immemorial, with the giants featuring in art, poetry, steatite seals, and other items found in archaeological excavations. Despite being a fascinating species and a cultural[…]

Love - a chemical and an arguably ephemeral experience, has dictated the ebbs and flows of society for centuries.  Infact one might argue that the euphoria of love and its constant desire has shaped human communities worldwide. Despite its importance, love eludes us, leaving even the greatest thinkers puzzled about its exact nature. Yet,[…]

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[…]

India, a diverse country with 19,500 dialects being spoken as mother tongues, and home to 28 states and 8 union territories….. Wait. That is always how an essay about India starts. Instead, let us take a deeper dive this time and view the Indian landscape from a completely new perspective. According to estimates of paleontologists and[…]

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[…]

January 16-25, 2023 India is a study in contrasts; a historical backdrop for a modern-day narrative, a traditional outlook co-existing with fresh, global lifestyles, an ensemble of ethnic disparities creating a cohesive, cultural identity. India is a mélange of colorful, exuberant scenes, of tangible, delectable cuisine, a multitude of[…]

Community-based conservation (CBC) is a method without which most of the things in the world of conservation cannot be achieved. From the hilly villages of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh in the western Himalayan landscape, to the forest fringe villages in the mangrove landscape of the Sundarbans in West Bengal, wherever you go, no conservation[…]

After a stealthy and perilous operation, the Wildlife SOS Rapid Response Team, working jointly with the GSPCA uncovered some bone-chilling details about the trade of protected species. The team tracked the movement of a wildlife-ring and discovered two locations in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, which were storing wild species and body parts for[…]

The largest existing land mammal on the planet, Elephants, have a lasting effect on each individual who sets their eyes on them. Their evolution over the years is just as remarkable. Today, there are three surviving elephants species; the African savannah elephant (Loxodonta africana), African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) and Asian[…]

On 10th and 11th October, the  Sardar Patel Zoological Park at Kevada, Gujarat, was taken over by trailblazers in the world of animal welfare. Directors, veterinarians, animal keepers, forest officers, etc gathered from all over the nation to attend the annual National Conference for Zoo Directors and Veterinarians. The two-day conference[…]

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[…]

A few years ago, when our vehicles would screech to a halt at the traffic signal, it would not be unusual to find an elephant right in the middle of the traffic jam in Delhi. The man perched atop the elephant’s back would poke a bullhook behind the elephant’s ear, forcing it to move. The exhausted elephant would slowly make its way through[…]

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[…]

Elephant herds are the living examples of the strongest familial relationships in the wild, each member of the herd has a role to play to ensure that the herd is safe. For an animal that thrives in the company of similar majestic beings, a life in captivity is nothing short of torture and injustice. This is precisely why, when rescued elephants,[…]

The Wildlife SOS Kalandar Rehabilitation Programme was introduced after the safe rescue and rehabilitation of 628 sloth bears from the dancing bear practice. It was pertinent to understand that until an alternative source of employment could not be provided to the community involved in this practice, they would resort to the earlier methods of[…]

At Wildlife SOS, first rescue anniversaries celebrate the journey of freedom that our elephants embark upon. Each rescued elephant brings with them their own share of burdened memories, lack of rest and their weak bodies riddled with scars and wounds. An elephant’s memory is applauded for their ability to never forget but when such memories of[…]

One of the most common questions we get after saving an elephant is, “why does she still have a bell on?” It’s an emotional subject because after all, it’s a symbol of their brutal life laboring on the streets. Despite their size and weight, elephants can walk very quietly. When they’re in an unnatural setting like a busy city,[…]

It is believed that not all heroes wear capes, some of them don a green Veterinary scrubs and set out each day to ensure that the animals under our care are doing fine. The world calls them “veterinarians” but we call them “our wildlife heroes”! This World Veterinary Day, we take you on some exclusive insights from the veterinarians of […]

The new year has been welcomed with high hopes and the unkindly return of the Bird Flu also called the Avian Influenza or H5N1. The origin of bird flu can be traced to the late 1990s when the outbreak was first noticed in geese in China. Bird flu was labeled “highly contagious” by scientists and rapidly spread among birds and poultry. The[…]

Awake and alert at the crack of dawn, Zara stands at the corner of her free-ranging field and lightly rumbles out to her neighbouring pachyderms. This activity has become a part of her daily routine and she thoroughly enjoys doing it every day without fail, often receiving responses from Walnut and Peanut! Her petite structure and small ears make […]

The heartbreaking sight of a wounded elephant walking in pain along busy highways and narrow streets is the most prominent sign of abuse and ignorance that can be represented. Many people firmly believe that the elephant, whose body hosts chronic, infected wounds and abscesses, is actually well taken care of but the reality is far from what is[…]

62-year-old Erika’s history is shrouded in pain, agony and utter neglect – however, that hasn’t subdued her indomitable spirit in any way. If anything, this dauntless courage shines through every day that we’ve known her. From the exhausted, weak, and utterly malnourished elephant that roamed the dusty streets of Haryana to the tall,[…]

As the bright sunshine pierces through the dense fog and mist of the morning, our elephants can be seen pausing amidst their walks to bask under the sun at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre. The month of December, with its unpredictable and delightful rainfall, prepared us all for a chilly winter that was lurking around the[…]

The importance of a thorough education in today’s world cannot be understated. Education not only provides us a way of earning a livelihood but also enables us to extricate ourselves from generations of misinformation, superstition and false beliefs and break free of the vicious circle of poverty. When our co founders Kartick Satyanarayan[…]

One year ago, a begging elephant we call Jasmine, was loaded onto a truck in Delhi and transferred to a forested elephant rescue center in the state of Haryana. Although Jasmine leaving the city was a turning point in her life, it was also a historical day for Delhi.  Prior to the exodus of Jasmine, elephants had been kept in Delhi for[…]

We are running out of space to care for new elephant rescues With the grand opening of India’s only dedicated elephant hospital in 2018, Wildlife SOS has become a beacon of hope for India’s elephants. As the number of pachyderm patients continues to grow at the Elephant Hospital, Wildlife SOS is planning for a future providing research and […]

The end of October brings chills down our spines and we have more than the sudden dip in the temperatures to blame! The spooky season and the Halloween celebrations have become an annual fall tradition, not only for our rescued elephants, sloth bears and leopards but even our animal care staff. They got into the Halloween spirit by carving out[…]

With Arya’s arrival at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital, there are now a total of 6 rescued blind elephants under our care. These elephants have endured brutality and pain, which caused irreversible damage to their body and mind. Severe malnutrition coupled with lack of timely medical treatment for eye injuries that were caused by repeated […]

With her larger than life personality and enthusiastic trumpeting, it is very easy to distinguish Lilly from the rest of the herd which resides at the Elephant Rehabilitation Centre, situated in Haryana. Watching Lilly enjoy her peaceful walks around the densely forested area with her companions or mischievously sneaking out treats from her[…]

It would be a common sight for people residing in Delhi to witness an elephant making her way through the narrow streets and heavy traffic. With blaring horns causing immense psychological distress to her, one year ago, nobody would have believed that Jasmine would ever be liberated from this abusive life. Jasmine’s day would include endless[…]

2004 The Elisabeth Lewyt Award for Disaster Management & Planning: Elisabeth Lewyt was a pioneer in the field of animal protection and understood the importance of involving private sector to take the message forward. Our co-founders have been bestowed with this award, twice, for their exemplary contribution in the field of conservation, in[…]

Almost a year ago, an elephant navigating through the congested city roads of the National Capital of Delhi would have been a common sight for the residents and the tourists, alike. Some would feel pity for this elephant while, some would fight with her owner for putting her through this misery. A casual glance at Jasmine, one of Delhi’s last[…]

Year of arrival: 2020 Age at the time of arrival: about 21 years-old Sex: Female Personality traits: Calm and cooperative Recognisable features: A hole in her right ear Facility: Treatment Unit at ECCC Favourite food: Watermelons Closest to: Arya Favourite activities: Enjoys splashing around the water from her bucket of[…]

The prized possessions of the wild find themselves in serious incidents and escaping death at every turn, whether it is being involved in a road accident with speeding vehicles running over them or falling into uncovered wells which may be dry or, on unlucky days, filled up to the brink with water. In India, leopards often find themselves as[…]

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[…]

Their fates were stitched together when they were spotted in different districts of Haryana, begging for survival, tirelessly, day in and day out. With battered bodies and broken spirits, they had no respite from walking around unnatural surfaces and lifting their trunks for imparting “blessings” to people at the piercing poke of a bull-hook[…]

The Wildlife SOS Transit Facility was established in 1999 in collaboration with the Haryana Forest Department, Government of Haryana, with the primary objective of assisting the state forest department with rescue, medical treatment and release of injured, orphaned wild animals referred to Wildlife SOS by the forest department. Spiralling land[…]

The Ch. Surinder Singh Elephant Rehabilitation Centre (ERC) is situated at Ban Santour, Yamunanagar, Haryana and is a project undertaken by the Haryana Forest Department, Government of Haryana in collaboration with Wildlife SOS. The objective of the centre is to rehabilitate and provide a high degree of veterinary care, treatment, and enrichment[…]

Entering through the thick and dense forested area of Wildlife SOS Ch. Surinder Singh Elephant Rehabilitation Centre, Ban Santour, Yamunanagar in Haryana, a beautiful, long lashed Ella can be spotted taking measured, slow steps on the soft ground, occasionally pausing for a break to spot a fresh fruit on the tree! As her keeper waits for her to[…]

In a city that is always flooded with people, it is hard to imagine that there would be enough space for a large mammal such as an Asian elephant. Yet Delhi has had a special history with captive elephants that were used for myriad cultural activities within the city. Today, with the rescue of the last captive elephant of Delhi Jasmine (formerly[…]

Since 2012 Wildlife SOS has been working with bear biologists from the IUCN Bear Specialist Group and Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University to determine the distribution of bears in northeast India and Bhutan. Three species of bear occur in northeast India including the Asiatic black bear, the sloth bear and the sun bear. Particular attention[…]

The poaching of wild elephants for captivity is not only unimaginably cruel to the individual elephants poached, it severely threatens the future of elephants in India. Following the capture from their natural habitat, abuse and suffering become an everyday life occurrence for these captive elephants. Kalpana’s story is representative of the[…]

The month of July started on a very sad note for the Wildlife SOS family, as we suffered an unexpected loss in the form of our beloved bear Akbar.  A little over 26 years of age, he lost his long fight against severe pulmonary Tuberculosis and liver dysfunction. Often referred to as “The Angry Old Man” by our bear keepers, Akbar’s[…]

It's that time of the year again, which marks a busy time for Wildlife SOS’s Kalandar Rehabilitation Programme team as they set up their annual stationary and school book distribution camp across India. Over the years, Wildlife SOS has designed and carried out several initiatives to help provide alternative forms of livelihood, education as well […]

The last weeks have seen a lot of public engagement and awareness in the Delhi NCR particularly among schoolchildren, as the Wildlife SOS team has been conducting awareness workshops and talks in the city aimed at increasing sensitization of young children towards the incredible wildlife they share their planet with. The first talk was at the[…]

Nearly five years ago, in a daring operation involving a daylight car chase and ambush through the streets of Delhi NCR Gurgaon area, Bhima Bawaria a notorious tiger poacher was arrested red handed with tiger skeleton, tiger skin, ivory and live turtles in his possession. This was a joint operation conducted by Wildlife SOS, Wildlife Crime[…]

An occupant of Vadaj village, farmer Anil Salunke had stepped out to turn on the water well pump for the day but little did he expect to find a jackal trapped inside it. The nearly 40 foot deep uncovered well is located in the periphery of the neighbouring forest, which is home to several wild animals. Concerned for the well-being of the animal,[…]

In 2002, Wildlife SOS started work on the rehabilitation of the Kalandar communities (who depend on dancing bears to earn a living) as an extension of our dancing bear rescue project. The key objectives of this project were education of the children, an alternative livelihood program and women’s empowerment initiative, while addressing the[…]

Maharashtra is known to have a rich population of leopards and for years, these elusive cats have been living and breeding quietly amongst the growing human population residing in close proximity to their natural habitat. However, in recent years, due to the rapid infringement of human settlements and expansion of agriculturally used land near[…]

At Wildlife SOS, we’re used to being surrounded by an amazing herd of elephants, but the end of January found us in the midst of a rather colourful group of painted fibreglass elephant statues as Wildlife SOS geared up for the 2016 edition of its Art for Elephants fundraiser at none other than the India Art Fair! The India Art Fair, held[…]

The call comes in at 11:00 am. Leopard. Looks like a cub. Caught in a trap. Tikli village, on the border of Delhi and Gurgaon. The Wildlife SOS rescue team is on their way less than ten minutes later, hurtling down the road, rescue equipment at the back of the vehicle. The tension is palpable. Trapped leopards rarely survive the anger of[…]

The staff at Wildlife SOS spent their weekend surrounded by elephants a little different from the ones we are used to. More than sixty exquisite fibre glass elephants were on display at the Le Meridian Hotel, hand-painted by some of India’s finest artists, as part of a fundraiser for the wonderful animals in our care. The elephants started out[…]