Coconut

Year of rescue: 2015 Age at the time of rescue: 12 years old  Sex: Female Personality traits: Playful and innocent Recognisable features: Depigmentation on her trunk  Present health condition: Healthy; not undergoing any treatment, regular foot baths Facility: Treatment Unit at ECCC Favourite food:[…]

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Nourishing 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[…]

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Enriching 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[…]

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Trunk Tales: A Warm-Hearted Hello To Wally! 

As the staff welcomes the month of August and the amazing weather that it brings along with it, our resident elephants at the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC) in Mathura are having a good time under the monsoon showers! One gentle giant in particular, Walnut, can be seen raising his trunk high up in the air every morning, almost as if […]

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Bear Diary: A Day In The Life Of Radiant Roshan!

During a rescue operation conducted in 2008 by Wildlife SOS and the West Bengal Forest Department, as many as 30 sloth bears were saved from the ‘dancing’ bear practice. Among the lot was a six-year-old bear that also bore a gaping hole in his muzzle. The cruel piercing was made with a hot iron rod, through which a rope was passed and then[…]

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ABRF: Why You Need To Visit It! 

Just four hours by road from the capital of the country lies the Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary on the Delhi-Agra highway. Away from bustling streets, one can find peace as soon as they step into the serene environment of the sanctuary. Soor Sarovar, also known as the Keetham lake, was declared a Ramsar site in 2020, highlighting the importance of[…]

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Bear Diary: Marvellous & Jolly Molly!

Beneath the canopy of trees that surrounds the Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF), lies a furball of energy actively digging around, looking for ants and termites. After lapping up fistfulls of them, she goes around to look for juicy watermelons and papayas that her caregiver brings for her. Food, however, is not the only element in her field that[…]

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From Chains to Freedom: The Ripple Effect of Raju’s Rescue

Many of us may have heard the term 'Butterfly Effect’. It’s a concept from Chaos Theory that posits how a small change can lead to significant consequences. Edward Lorenz, the father of Chaos Theory, famously explained it with the example of how a butterfly flapping its wings in Brazil can subsequently produce a tornado in Texas. For those[…]

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All You Need To Know About Bani’s Treatment!

After over a decade of rescuing and rehabilitating elephants who have been victims of various forms of abuse, Wildlife SOS now houses its very first elephant calf. Though she is not a direct victim of human imposed abuse, her unfortunate situation is man-made. Rescued after a tragic train collision that killed her adult female companion, Bani was […]

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Bear Diary: The Many Merry Acts Of Kanmani!

Looking at how animated Kanmani is in her field, many have been astonished to learn that this very bear was saved from torture and trauma.  Kanmani was rescued by Wildlife SOS in 2008 when she was just a year and half old. At such a young age, she had already been subjected to immense abuse and cruelty by her Kalandar owners, who used her […]

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5 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[…]

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How 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 […]

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Bear Diary: Hamsi Brings Heartfelt Joy!

If you happen to visit the Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC), it is highly likely that you would be able to hear loud sounds of slurping. Our team would then prompt the curious you to pause and look up. On one of the branches of the many trees, you may spot a sloth bear engrossed in licking peanut butter off a hanging ball. And in all[…]

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Trunk Tales: Taj And Tara’s Journey Of Healing With Wildlife SOS

It all started with a lengthy discussion. We never knew what was awaiting at the end of the discussion, but when it ended, we were standing at the crossroads of an almost historic moment. Discussions, though tedious, can often prove to be fruitful. Usually dialogues with exploitative elephant owners don’t end with a positive outcome, and mostly […]

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The Sloth Bear Habitat

A habitat is a natural environment to any living organism that provides necessary conditions for survival, growth and reproduction. The ideal habitat for each animal varies based on its specific needs, characteristics, and adaptations. Not all animals can live in the same habitat, for example, it would be astounding to find a lion roaming among[…]

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Tara

Year of rescue: 2023 Age at the time of rescue: Approximately 25 years Sex: Female Personality traits: Tara carries a calm and composed demeanour. Closest to: Taj Recognisable features: Tara has a short and plump stature. She also has visible pigmentation around her neck resembling a necklace. Present health[…]

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Trunk Tales: Marvellous Macadamia’s Momentous Journey!

In April of 2015, Wildlife SOS received the news about four elephants who were suffering in a circus in Maharashtra. Mercilessly made to perform in front of large audiences, they were far away from life in a jungle. Our team rescued the four pachyderms from agony and torture, and brought them to the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC) in […]

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Ways To Recognise Different Elephants Under Our Care!

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[…]

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Bear Diary: Chronicles Of Our Youngest Bear, Ron!

Wildlife SOS has conducted several rescue operations of distressed animals, including leopards, elephants, and sloth bears, and have provided them rehabilitative care. One of our four centres for bears is Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF), and it houses nearly 100 sloth bears that were saved from poaching, the ‘dancing’ bear trade or from[…]

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The 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[…]

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Fruitful Rescues! Frugivores Saved By Wildlife SOS

Don’t you love the taste of fresh mangoes or juicy watermelons in summers? Well, you are not alone! While fruits are delicious treats for humans, fruit-eating animals love to bite into them too! But what if we told you that the relationship between animals and fruits is much deeper than we thought. Some scientists have suggested that the taste[…]

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Behavioural 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[…]

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Droppings To Discoveries: Understanding Wildlife Using Scat Analysis

In the wild every creature — from the largest of mammals to the tiniest of bugs — leaves its mark. One of their markings has helped many researchers understand animal species in the wild from a respectable distance. Can you take a wild (!) guess on what we are talking about? It's their scat! Yes, you read that right, animal faeces, often[…]

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Addressing The Elephant In Our Hearts: Raju’s 10th Year Of Freedom!

Elephants, along with cetaceans and great apes, are regarded as some of the most intelligent and social animals on Earth. Widely known for their cognitive skills and emotional sensitivity, Asian elephants live in tightly-knit herds. Calves enjoy the company of their mother, aunts, and older siblings for the formative years of their life. Now[…]

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Animal 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[…]

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Bear Diary: The Vivacious Vitality of Vasi!

Sloth bears in India face multiple threats. While a large number of bears have been rescued from being ‘dancing’ bears, many often become victims of poaching. Jaw traps are laid out by poachers across the wild terrain to capture bears. The sharp teeth of these traps brutally clamp the paws of sloth bears, making them unable to move. This was[…]

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Forms Of Parenting In The Animal World

No one said that parenting is easy. If you think that we humans have it tough, then let's take a walk into the wild – where animals ranging from the largest elephant to the smallest tree frog are in a constant struggle to raise their offspring. For some of the animals, the familial duty ends right after giving birth. While certain avian […]

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Bear Diary: Vimal Goes To The Dentist!

The scars from our past don't fade that easily. Wounds linger and sometimes fester in unexpected ways. This month, let us take a look at the story of Vimal, an intelligent and mischievous sloth bear at the Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC). Vimal was rescued from the ‘dancing’ bear trade in 2010. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/ Lenu[…]

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Trunk Tales: Playful Peanut Of The Nut Herd!

Eight years ago, four elephants were rescued together from a circus in Maharashtra. These innocent souls had been forcibly removed from their natural habitats to experience agony under cruel captivity. Scarred, exhausted, and dispirited, the pachyderms were coerced to execute unnatural stunts for an audience. However, fate had other plans for[…]

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A Peek Into The Life Of Leopard Siblings, George And Natalie

George and Natalie are two of the most awe-inspiring felines at the Wildlife SOS Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre. The sibling duo has attracted large attention since their appearance in India's Jungle Heroes, a 6-episode series by National Geographic Channel that documented Wildlife SOS’ relentless efforts. George and Natalie are two of the[…]

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Bear Diary – Life Of Deva At BBRC

With the smell of spring in the air, the resident Sloth bears at the Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC) are slowly shedding their idleness from the winter season. This month, we shine the spotlight on Deva, a ‘dancing’ bear rescued in 2006. Deva was an emaciated five-year-old bear when he was rescued from the Kalandar community. His[…]

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Understanding Crop-Raiding by Elephants In India

In the vast lands of southern India, roam the continent’s largest land creatures: Elephants. They move from one forest patch to another along with their fellow herd members. While foraging vegetation to satiate their hefty appetite, they venture into an agricultural field and raid the freshly grown crops. The locals and farmers are startled and […]

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Elephant Of The Month – Holly

No matter how much we ever try, we can never truly understand what it is like to spend nearly 60 years being dragged forcefully from one place to another, merely for the purpose of begging. Holly is well aware of this feeling, as she herself underwent that horrific experience. This was the story of Holly, prior to her life at Wildlife[…]

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Animals Embrace Winter At Wildlife SOS Rescue Centres

Just like summers, the onset of winters requires special and unique arrangements as the rescued animals under our care have to brace for changes in the weather. Northern parts of India get especially bone-chilling and the various Wildlife SOS rescue centres, therefore, have to pull all the tricks out of their hats for the animals to remain[…]

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We Are Losing The Diversity Of Life

‘Biodiversity’ is a portmanteau of the words ‘biological’ and ‘diversity’, which is the sum of all living organisms on planet Earth. But as with other ecological crises, biodiversity is impacted by anthropogenic activities too. In fact, around one million plant and animal species are threatened with extinction today. This urgent[…]

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A Journey Of Freedom – Pari Completes One Year At Wildlife SOS

It was a tense yet hopeful winter afternoon in November 2021, when our team was preparing to rescue an elephant who had been battered by the absolute nadir of humanity. From there, it was a long journey to bring Pari home. Here, home refers to the Wildlife SOS Treatment Unit of the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC) in Mathura. As[…]

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Bear Of The Month — The 29-Year-Old Sundari

Sundari, a 29-year-old Sloth bear under our care at Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC), spends a large part of her time gallivanting in her spacious field. While she interacts with nine other bears in her enclosure, she is closest to Tate. The two chase each other across the field and are even spotted sharing enrichments! After her friendly[…]

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A Day At The Elephant Conservation And Care Centre!

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[…]

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A Day At The Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF)!

After a long drive through heat and dust, my colleagues from Wildlife SOS and I approached the gates of the Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary in Agra. Navigating through the dense foliage of the sanctuary, with the picturesque Keetham lake by our side, we drove at an unhurried pace as one should within a sanctuary where animals often cross the road. On […]

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Bear Of The Month – Ashok, The 17-Year-Old At BBRC

Spread over 77 acres, the Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC) is divided into five different regions namely, Jambhava, Kishkinda, Panchavati, Chitrakuta and Dr. GKV Block. Ashok resides in the Panchavati region, which has been home to this 17-year-old male Sloth bear for the past 13 years. Ashok was rescued in 2009 at the young age of four[…]

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Aquatic Habitats Suffer Due To Idol Immersion

It is that time of the year when the people of India unwind and come together to celebrate. That’s right, it’s the time of festivals! As entire cities prepare themselves to host festivals, people enjoy this break from daily work as they get immersed in the festive spirit. Festivals bring joy, gaiety and euphoria, but this certain joie de[…]

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Bear Of The Month — Bintha

Lush trees at the Wildlife SOS Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF) form an overhead canopy, with serenity prevailing throughout the premises. Under the green blanket, Bintha enjoys frolicking in her enclosure, playing with fellow Sloth bears, Rose and Elvis. The trio thoroughly investigates new enrichments to find out what surprises they contain,[…]

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Spotlight On The Spotted Owlet!

Spotted owlets are common across the Indian subcontinent. You can spot one peeping out of a tree hole, or an entire family huddled together on a tree’s branch! Both the male and female of this species look alike: they have greyish-brown upperparts and white spots overall. Compared to most owls, this owlet has a relatively smaller body[…]

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Essential Enrichments For Sloth Bears

Wildlife SOS embarked upon an iconic journey to resolve the ‘dancing’ bear practice in India. During this project, it was observed that the rehabilitated Sloth bears exhibited certain unique behaviours. The bears had faced immense trauma as a consequence of lack of resources and physical torture. These experiences manifest into stereotypic[…]

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Nathan: Our Veteran ‘Bear Of The Month’ From Van Vihar

At the time when Wildlife SOS was establishing the Van Vihar Bear Rescue Facility (VVBRF), authorities at the Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, placed four rescued wild sloth bears under the long-term care of Wildlife SOS, one of whom was Nathan. Nathan is a 30-year-old female and is our ‘Bear of the Month’. She has been[…]

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Birds Need You This Summer!

Harsh. Sweltering. Unforgiving. Scorching. These are just a few of the many words being used to describe the heatwaves that have blanketed India in the last two months. The average temperatures, especially in the Northern parts of the country, have reached a shocking 50 degree Celsius! We’ve found solutions to beat the summer heat for ourselves […]

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Elephant Of The Month – Star Of The Nut Herd, Coco!

Circuses were once a common place to sight elephants. They were made to perform to entertain audiences. However, each elephant was subjected to physical torture and mental trauma while being trained and were kept under dire conditions. Coconut was a victim of these circumstances. In 2015, she was  rescued by Wildlife SOS from a circus in[…]

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Bear Of The Month Kamli

Sweet, energetic and charming – Kamli is a very enchanting bear, but she wasn’t always this way. She has had a painful past, just like most of the others at Agra Bear Rescue Facility. She was stolen as a cub from her mother, who was probably killed by poachers, to be sold into the barbaric ‘Dancing Bears’ tradition in the city of Varanasi […]

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Mother’s Day Special – Wonderful Moms In India’s Jungles!

As Mother's Day comes along, we would like to take the time to highlight some of the most loving and daring mothers found in India's jungles. These moms are ready to risk it all; be it carrying their young ones on their backs, nursing them despite the harshest conditions, or even fighting tooth and nail for their offspring's safety! Nature is[…]

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Bear Of The Month – Our ABRF Veteran, Mangee!

Mangee became one of the earliest members of the Wildlife SOS family when we rescued her in the winter of 2002 from a Kalandar family in Uttar Pradesh. Cubs being poached from the wild, while their mothers were killed when they tried to defend their young, is the most common story with regards to ‘dancing bears’. Eventually the delicate[…]

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Bear Of The Month – Elvis

Jovial, extroverted, and playful - a personality like that of Elvis is impossible to miss and be charmed by. The seven-year-old is possibly one of the most lovable and friendly sloth bears residing at the Wildlife SOS Agra Bear Rescue Facility. However, his life today is in sheer contrast to what it was when he was rescued by our team in the year […]

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Meet Kuber, The Bear Who Overcame Insurmountable Hurdles

A mother killed in the wild by poachers and leaving the cubs to fend for themselves is a brutal truth, and something similar happened to Kuber and his brother Nakul. These bear siblings were around two months old when their mother was killed by poachers, leaving the cubs alone and vulnerable in the forest. Fortunately, the Wildlife SOS[…]

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Kabilan

Year of arrival: 2007 Age at the time of arrival: One-and-a-half years Sex: Male Personality traits: Playful and filled with energy Recognisable features: A previously infected muzzle, which is now completely healed Present health condition: Currently being provided vitamin[…]

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Dolly

Year of rescue: 2006 Age at the time of rescue: 5  Sex: Female Personality traits: Active, inquisitive, curious Recognisable features: A piercing wound on her muzzle from her daning bear days Present health condition: Under geriatric care Facility: Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre Favourite food: Peanut butter, dates, […]

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Holding on To Asha, Holding on To Hope

On 23rd January, our ever-shining ray of Hope, Asha (meaning hope in Hindi), bid us farewell. The Elephant Conservation and Care Center that once reverberated with Asha's loud trumpets and the laughter of her caregiver, Babu Lal, fell silent. As Asha left, she took a piece of all our hearts with her. Yet, what she left behind was a pivotal lesson […]

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Caregiver Of The Month : Murari Lal

The  caregivers at all the Wildlife SOS Centers are extremely hard-working, dedicated and passionate in their work with the animals. They form the backbone of our organisation who are responsible for the daily well-being of the animals. One such member of the bear care staff is Murari Lal who, for the last eleven years, has been caring for[…]

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Bear Of The Month – Leena

The bear of the month for November is our shy and introverted Leena! Unlike some of our other bears who catch the eyes of all the caregivers in the vicinity, Leena prefers not to be the centre of attention. Rather, she is one of the quieter and more withdrawn bears at the Agra Bear Rescue Facility. She usually keeps to herself and prefers to[…]

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Elephant Of The Month: Peanut

Wildlife SOS’s youngest ever rescue and a cherished member of the Nut Herd, our Elephant of the Month for October is none other than the sprightly and vivacious Peanut!  Peanut then v/s now. Photo (c) Wildlife SOS. Peanut along with three other young elephants was rescued from a circus in Maharashtra where they were reduced to mere[…]

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Caring 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[…]

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Socialisation 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,[…]

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Bear Of the Month – Ron

Youngest of the sloth bear sleuth and every keeper’s favourite, The Bear of the Month for August is Ron! His bubbly aura and vivacious personality warmed the hearts of staff and visitors alike. Ron was rescued in 2019 by Wildlife SOS’s anti-poaching unit ‘Forest Watch’ in a heroic operation. Ron along with four other sloth bears were[…]

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Here Is How Our Resident Animals Beat The Summer Heat!

Temperatures soaring to nearly 50 degrees centigrade (122F), every human across India is facing the brunt of this brutal summer! The summer months can be uncomfortable—even dangerous—for animals and people. It's difficult enough simply to cope with rising temperatures, let alone humidity. To avoid things from getting intense and to make our[…]

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Elephants Beat The Heat In Jumbo Pools

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[…]

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Elephant Of The Month: Wally

6 years ago, Wally was rescued from a circus and rehabilitated to the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre. As a performing elephant, Wally’s routine was fixed – forced to stay awake for hours and trained mercilessly to perform tricks such as playing with a football. As a reward, he would be given a meager amount of dry[…]

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The Tale of Tipu

In 2006, a goatherd who had taken his goats out to graze near a forest area in Mysore, Karnataka, was shocked to find an unexpected animal joining the herd. It turned out that a Sloth bear cub had followed his goats out of the forest! The young bear must have wandered too far from his mother and had gotten lost in the forest. Concerned[…]

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2021 COVID Updates

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 […]

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Bear Of The Month, Kuber’s Tale Of Ten Years!

Kuber was only a few months old when he took timid steps into the vast expanse of the Wildlife SOS Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre in Bengaluru. Anxious to unfamiliar faces and new surroundings, Kuber and his brother, Nakul, were cowering in fear and shivering in starvation. They were rescued by Wildlife SOS anti-poaching unit “Forestwatch”[…]

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Healing 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[…]

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Jai Makes His Way Home: Updates From the Field

*GRAPHIC CONTENT WARNING* As we approach the new year, we have asked for your help in rescuing another elephant that desperately needs our care - 50-year-old Jai is now on the verge of a new journey of recovery with Wildlife SOS. Jai's story is heartrending - His cruel owner forced Jai to walk thousands of miles in spiked chains which led[…]

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Mia Celebrates Her Rescueversary With a Jumbo Feast

As gentle rumbles puncture the dawn at the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in Mathura, 47-year-old Mia can be seen against the horizon with her constant companion Rhea, both of them walking at a slow, measured pace. Having reached the last leg of their daily walk, the two suddenly caught a whiff of something interesting; they sauntered off[…]

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Keeper of the Month: Dadapeer!

In the densely forested area of the Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre, in Bengaluru, Dadapeer can be spotted hurriedly making his way to the bear kitchen as it nears feeding time! His brisk walking style and larger-than-life attitude make him a special member of the Wildlife SOS bear care team. Presenting Keeper of the Month from Bannerghatta[…]

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Maya Celebrates 10-Year Milestone In Her Road To Recovery

“They say an elephant never forgets. What they don't tell you is, you never forget an elephant.” Anyone who meets Maya will heartily agree with the above statement. Once you interact with the exuberant pachyderm, it is impossible to forget her vivacity and joie-de-vivre. As she stands tall and proud munching on fresh, juicy sugarcane next[…]

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Elephant of the Month: Macadamia

Five years ago, four battered, bruised and dispirited elephants were rescued from a circus in Maharashtra. These young elephants were illegally poached and trafficked across borders to be subjected to a lifetime of misery and were forced to perform unnatural tricks for an audience who knew nothing of the pain they were in. The rescue ended their[…]

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Surreal Splash for Our Rescued Pachyderms!

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[…]

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Elephant of the Month: Sanjay!

There is something majestic and regal about a tusker walking, in all his grandiosity. For wildlife enthusiasts, spotting a tusker in the wild is the high-point of their lives. However, the brutal trade of poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking has made these sightings in the wild rarer than ever. Of one such brutalising story is that of[…]

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Nourishing Lives At the Wildlife SOS Bear Rehabilitation Centres!

When it comes to wild animals such as leopards, elephants and sloth bears that cannot be released back into their natural habitats, enrichments play a very important role in their rehabilitation. As free beings in their natural habitats, these animals spend hours in a day foraging for food and travelling long distances looking for apt shelters.[…]

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Rampant Killing Of Elephants In India Must Be Prevented

India is a country rich in biodiversity and has a blend of cultures and a rich heritage that emphasizes the mythological importance of elephants that are prolific in Indian art, architecture, folklore and popular culture. Elephants are worshipped as avatars of the Elephant God “Lord Ganesh” but also, in ancient India they were used in battle[…]

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Bear of the Month – Kandi

As the sun rises over the Agra Bear Rescue Facility, a distinctive sound is heard across the centre. The keepers know who it is, and merely say, “Oh there goes Kandi, again.” The early riser makes his presence known the minute his eyes open and he’s not the lazy type at all. Waking up to a bright morning, Kandi rushes out into his enclosure […]

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Benefits of a Veggielicious Diet on Eat Your Vegetables Day!

We have all probably grown up with our parents having to chase us to finish that lone piece of broccoli or the bits of carrots that lay abandoned in our plates. Even at our schools, teachers would give us countless lessons on the importance of eating vegetables to gain strength and immunity. This holds true not only for us but also for the[…]

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Keeper 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[…]

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Everyone’s Favourite “Nut Herd” Completes 5 Years at Wildlife SOS!

It seems not long ago that circuses across the country would be jam-packed with an audience ranging from toddlers to older people who would eagerly anticipate a jumbo wearing colourful jackets walking into the performing area to stand on its two legs or lift a human up with their dexterous trunks! By the end of the show, when everyone would have[…]

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Celebrating the Four-Legged Moms this Mother’s Day!

Mothers come in all shapes and sizes, while most of ours have two limbs, there are some special ones that walk the face of Earth each day, protecting their little ones and teaching them all that they need to know about how to survive.  We are, of course, talking about some of nature’s formidable animal mothers! They constantly balance the[…]

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A Friend In Need Is A Sibling Indeed!

Every year, the world has an unofficial celebration of the wonderful relationship between siblings on the 10th of April. We share a beautiful equation with our brothers and sisters as we grow up, spending every moment of joy and pain, health and sickness together. We continuously nurture and groom each other to be better, and play a very integral […]

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Walnut

Year of rescue: 2015 Age at the time of rescue: 18 years old Sex: Male Personality traits: Playful and energetic  Recognisable features: Prominent, capped tushes Present health condition: Healthy; not undergoing any treatment except regular footbaths. Facility: Treatment Unit at ECCC Favourite food: Green[…]

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Peanut

Year of rescue: 2015 Age at the time of rescue: 6 years Sex: Female Personality traits: Mischievous, playful Recognisable features: Small, no depigmentation and slightly torn ears at the top Present health condition: Not undergoing any treatment, healthy  Facility: Treatment Unit at ECCC Favourite food:[…]

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Hamsi

Year of rescue: 2015 Age at the time of rescue: 4 years old Sex: Female Personality traits/quirks: Curious and playful Recognizable features: Abnormal gait due to gunshot wound Physical condition and ongoing health challenges: Not undergoing any treatment  Facility: Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre Favorite foods: […]

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Polly

Year of rescue: 2008 Age at the time of rescue: 6 years old Sex: Female Personality traits/quirks: Shy and lazy Recognizable features: None Physical condition and ongoing health challenges: Not undergoing any treatment; healthy Facility: Agra Bear Rescue Facility  Favorite foods: Coconut Sanctuary friends:[…]

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Elvis

Year of rescue: 2015 Age at the time of rescue: 3 months old Sex: Male Personality traits: Jovial, extroverted, playful Recognisable features: None Present health condition: Healthy; not undergoing any treatment Facility: Agra Bear Rescue Facility Favourite food: Watermelons, porridge, dates & coconuts Closest[…]

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Kuber

Year of rescue: 2011 Age at the time of rescue: 2 months old Sex: Male  Personality traits: Friendly, playful, very sociable. Kuber suckles on his brother Nakul’s ears when he is stressed Recognizable features: none so clear Physical condition and ongoing health challenges: Kuber’s physical condition currently is[…]

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Children At Art Fest 2020 Bring Alive The Tales Of Wildlife SOS

What a beautiful thing to have, imagination, and there is none stronger than that which is lent wings by a child’s whimsy and innocence. At the Children’s Art Fest 2020, a land of imagination was built by youngsters – they told stories capturing the essence of Wildlife SOS rescues, they stitched quilts for the elephants under the care of[…]

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Bear of the Month: Chameli

The enclosure number 1 at the Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF) is known as the oldies’ den, where the sleuth of our elderly and blind bears resides. While the resident sloth bears of this enclosure take life at an easier pace due to their advancing age, one cannot help but notice a stark exception in the group who singlehandedly tips the energy[…]

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Bear of the Month: Aleem

Aleem has been part of the Wildlife SOS family for over 13 years now. Currently residing at the Agra Bear Rescue Facility, Aleem’s past life was strikingly different than the one he lives today. Watching him play in the company of other rescued bears, it is almost impossible to believe that Aleem was once living under such brutal conditions,[…]

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A month into Kalpana’s journey at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital

Years of working and begging on the streets for her cruel master had broken down Kalpana’s body immensely and caused her a great deal of mental trauma. After nearly four decades of abuse and suffering, she finally found the much-deserved and needed respite in her life when she arrived at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital for treatment and care. […]

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Bear of the Month: Lakshmi

Lakshmi was just a cub when she was snatched away from her mother and her forested home, only to be sentenced to a life filled with misery and pain. She was forced to become a dancing bear and made to perform unnatural tricks for people’s entertainment. The horror Lakshmi had to go through to learn how to dance and perform is unspeakable. She[…]

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Bear of the Month- Kabilan!

Kabilan was rescued from a Kalandar settlement in Uttar Pradesh in 2007. He was a little over a year old at the time, but the young bear had already been exposed to a life of sheer cruelty. He was weak, half-starved and in absolute agony due to a muzzle infection, caused by the constant tugging of a course rope that was pushed through a pierced[…]

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Bear of the Month-Rose

Barely a year old, Rose was rescued from the state of Madhya Pradesh in 2016. Trapped in a poacher's snare, she fell victim to the heinous crime of poaching cubs from the wild and incorporating them into the cruel practice of dancing bears. Snares are lethal hunting devices which can cause severe lacerations, joint dislocations, mutilations,[…]

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