Elephant Of The Month – Arya
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[…]
Read MoreStaff Profile – Sonam Sambharya
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[…]
Read MoreWildlife SOS Conducts Education Drive in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana!
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[…]
Read MoreTracing Arya’s First Year Of Freedom With Wildlife SOS
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,[…]
Read MoreArya’s Bell Comes Off!
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 […]
Read MoreAn Update on Arya’s Progress
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[…]
Read MoreArya Arrives at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital!
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 […]
Read MoreArya
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[…]
Read MoreLeopard Skin Seized In Ballabhgarh In A Joint Operation With The Haryana Forest Dept. & Police
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[…]
Read MoreWildlife Awareness Programme For Kids At Elephant Rehabilitation Center, Haryana
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[…]
Read MoreTeam Accenture Volunteers At Friendicoes & Wildlife Rescue Center Haryana
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[…]
Read MoreHaryana Leopard released back into the wild.
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[…]
Read MoreNourishing Our Elephants: What’s On The Menu?
The largest terrestrial mammal traversing Asia, the Asian elephant, has a diet that is as massive as its size. Interestingly, in the wild, these humongous herbivores spend two-thirds of their day foraging, consuming up to 150 kilograms of food! Tragically, the dietary requirements of elephants in cruel captivity are gravely overlooked. Forced[…]
Read MoreTrunk Tales: Endearing & Inspiring Erika!
“Where there is a will, there is a way!” The life story of Erika, an elephant who is now nearly 65 years old, has been full of ups and downs. It is her willpower that proves how true the above proverb is. Erika was used as a begging elephant who would ‘bless’ people while walking for hours on end on the busy streets of Haryana. If this […]
Read MoreStaff Profile Of The Month: Debbie Haynes
They say it’s never too late to follow your dreams, and if we were to illustrate this through someone’s life, it would surely be of Debbie Haynes. This month, we shine a spotlight on our ever-shining star who is Wildlife SOS’s UK Manager. Her journey with the organisation began in 2018 as an active volunteer at our centres, during which[…]
Read MoreTrunk Tales: Present Not Tense For Jasmine
Everyone appreciates a good contrast—whether it’s the vivid, complementary colours picked for wall paints, the balance of sweet and spicy in our meals, or the striking contrast vibrant fruits and flowers give against lush green leaves. We find beauty in all such contrasts around us. At Wildlife SOS, the contrast we cherish the most is in the[…]
Read MoreEnriching Elephant Lives Through Enrichments
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[…]
Read MoreTrunk Tales: Play All Day, Lilly’s Way!
Elephant Rehabilitation Centre (ERC) is widely known for the loud trumpets of its most famous residents: Erika, Ella, Lilly, and Jasmine. The four companions form a tight-knit herd and barely leave each other’s side. However, they weren’t always like that. Each of the four carries the scars of adversity before they found solace and sisterhood […]
Read MoreHelping Elephants Beat The Heat In Summers!
As the blistering heat engulfs regions of Northern India, temperature records break the mercury scale, shooting as high as 45.6 degrees in Mathura. Humans and animals are victims of the scorching sun and the myriad challenges that come with it. The situation is no different for the gentle giants at our Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC) […]
Read More5 Endearing Friendships at Wildlife SOS!
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[…]
Read MoreHow Socialisation Heals Elephants
It is a well-known fact that wild elephants reside in female-led herds, typically composed of related individuals, such as mothers and their offspring. Female calves remain with the herd, while male calves leave it between the age of 7 and 12 to establish their own territories. Once they depart, young males may either form a small, temporary herd […]
Read MoreImportance Of Tusk Maintenance In Elephants
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[…]
Read More8 Fascinating Facts About An Elephant’s Trunk!
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[…]
Read MoreEquitable Conservation: Wildlife SOS’ Tribal Rehabilitation Programme For Kalandars
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[…]
Read MoreWild Highlights Of The Year – 2023!
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[…]
Read MoreVolunteer For The Voiceless!
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[…]
Read MoreStaff Profile Of The Month: Puja Deb
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[…]
Read MoreChildren’s Day 2023: 25 Years of Kalandar Education
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[…]
Read MoreSpooky Season Takes Over Wildlife SOS!
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[…]
Read MoreThe Daily Routine Of Elephants At Wildlife SOS!
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[…]
Read MoreThe Emotional Intelligence of Different Animals
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[…]
Read MoreRescues From The Helpline – July 2023
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[…]
Read MoreThe Healing Journey Of Elephants Rescued From Distress
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[…]
Read MoreBehavioural Trauma In Rescued Animals
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[…]
Read MoreRising Above: Wildlife SOS And Friendicoes Rescue Delhi-NCR’s Flood-Stricken Animals
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[…]
Read MoreBaby Animals Receive Help In Time As Wildlife SOS Conducts Rescues Across Delhi
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[…]
Read MoreAnimal Creativity On Display At Wildlife SOS!
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[…]
Read MoreTrunk Tales: Calm And Curious Zara!
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[…]
Read MoreRemembering Daisy: The City Elephant With A Young Soul Crosses The Rainbow Bridge
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[…]
Read MoreExploring The Exquisite Diet Of Asian Elephants In The Wild
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[…]
Read MoreTreatment Camp For Injured Birds During Makar Sankranti
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[…]
Read MoreHaven For The Hidden: Where To Spot Wildlife In And Around Delhi
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[…]
Read MoreThe Basics Of Taxonomy
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,[…]
Read MoreWildlife SOS Busts Illegal Trade Of Live Animals And Body Parts In Gujarat
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,[…]
Read MoreExploring The Plight Of Animals On World Freedom Day
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[…]
Read MoreThe Ongoing Support To Kalandar Community With Education, Livelihood and Shelter
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[…]
Read MoreECCC Plays Host To Miss Universe Great Britain 2022
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[…]
Read MoreACF Officer Trainees’ Field Visit To ABRF
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 […]
Read MoreElephant Of The Month, Ella – The Eldest Pachyderm At Wildlife SOS
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 […]
Read MoreA Tail of Torture: Common Tail Injuries In Rescued Elephants
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,[…]
Read MoreDesert Animals Rescued By Wildlife SOS!
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[…]
Read MoreLivelihood, Marriage & Roofing Support For 11 Kalandar Families!
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[…]
Read MoreMahak Shines Bright
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[…]
Read MorePlight of their Sight: Ocular Disorders in Captive Elephants
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[…]
Read MoreCool Measures On Hot Days For Our Elephants And Bears
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 […]
Read MoreRescues From The Helpline – March 2022
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[…]
Read MoreAn Ode To Our Unsung (S)heroes: Kalandar Women
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[…]
Read MoreGiants Enslaved: The Decline Of Asian Elephants
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[…]
Read MoreLove (or something like it) In The Jungle
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,[…]
Read MoreJoin Hands To Become Impact Partners of Wildlife SOS!
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[…]
Read More“How Do I Look Now?” Asks India
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[…]
Read MoreWhat Is A Begging Elephant?
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[…]
Read MoreFounders’ Trip Itinerary 2023
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[…]
Read MoreCommunities On The Frontline Of Conservation
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[…]
Read MoreWildlife-Ring Busted! Musk Deer Parts, Lizard Genitals Found
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[…]
Read MoreEvolution of Elephants
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[…]
Read MoreWildlife SOS At The National Conference For Zoo Directors and Veterinarians!
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[…]
Read MoreCelebrating Elephant Appreciation Day at Wildlife SOS!
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[…]
Read MoreJasmine’s Story – Why Elephants Do Not Belong In Cities?
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[…]
Read MoreCaring For Young Elephants
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[…]
Read MoreSocialisation Of Rescued Elephants At Wildlife SOS
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,[…]
Read MoreWildlife SOS Provides COVID19 Relief Kits To Kalandars
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[…]
Read MoreZara Celebrates First Rescueversary With Wildlife SOS
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[…]
Read More“Why haven’t you removed the bell around that elephant’s neck?”
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,[…]
Read MoreCelebrating Wildlife SOS’ Team Of Veterinarians On World Veterinary Day
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 […]
Read MoreAll You Need To Know About The Bird Flu
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[…]
Read MoreElephant Of The Month – Zara
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 […]
Read MoreHealing Wounds With Compassion and Comfort at Wildlife SOS
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[…]
Read MoreErika – Elephant of the Month!
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,[…]
Read MoreRescued Elephants Welcome Winters at Wildlife SOS
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[…]
Read MoreIlluminating minds: The Importance of Education in the lives of the Kalandar Community
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[…]
Read MoreWill Other Indian Cities Follow Delhi’s Bold Leadership?
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[…]
Read MoreBuilding a Future for India’s Elephants
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 […]
Read MoreSpooktacular Halloween at Wildlife SOS!
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[…]
Read MoreCaring for Blind Elephants at Wildlife SOS
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 […]
Read MoreLilly Completes 6 Years at the Elephant Rehabilitation Centre!
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[…]
Read MoreDelhi’s Last Elephant, Jasmine, Celebrates One Year of Freedom!
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[…]
Read MoreAwards
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[…]
Read MoreOur “Spirited” Elephant Of The Month: Jasmine!
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[…]
Read MoreZara
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[…]
Read MoreNightly Prowl takes a Grave Turn as Leopard falls into a Well in Uttar Pradesh!
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[…]
Read MoreKeeper of the Month: Babu Lal!
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[…]
Read MoreThe Seven-year Long Tale of Companionship and Courage: Erika & Ella!
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[…]
Read MoreWildlife SOS Transit Facility
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[…]
Read MoreElephant Rehabilitation Centre
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[…]
Read MoreThe Grand, Old Dame of the Elephant Rehabilitation Centre: Ella!
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[…]
Read MoreJasmine’s rescue brings an end to Delhi’s love affair with captive elephants
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[…]
Read MoreUnderstanding the Distribution of Three Species of Bears in Northeast India
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[…]
Read MoreA new life for Kalpana!
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[…]
Read MoreSaying Goodbye To Our Beloved Akbar Bear!
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[…]
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