Search for: holly

Holly is a charming, old elephant with a joyful spirit. Five years ago, she was finally freed from a harsh lifetime of begging. Enduring neglect and hardships for 60 long years, she arrived at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital Campus (EHC) in a state that required urgent focus on her health. Today, Holly depicts how steadfast friendships, along[…]

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[…]

Holly was the first elephant to receive treatment at our Elephant Hospital, for her grave injuries. The 61-year-old blind elephant was diagnosed with a serious condition of osteoarthritis that she continues to suffer from, owing to her painful past as a begging elephant. Holly, during her initial days at the Field of Dreams, would spend her[…]

Year of arrival: 2018 Age at the time of arrival: around 60 years old Sex: Female Personality traits: Tranquil and reserved Recognisable features: Compromised gait, diffused joint of the right leg, smallest of the trio that is Kalpana, Karma and Holly, completely blind in both eyes Present health condition: Suffering from[…]

Life for Holly had not been easy prior to her arrival at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital for long-term treatment in December 2018. Having spent the best part of her life navigating crowded cities, towns and villages, Holly’s weak legs gradually started to succumb to the extreme pressure from walking on concrete. The lack of proper nutrition[…]

The Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital’s first outside patient, Holly, arrived in December 2018. Formerly used as a begging elephant, she was found in a pitiable state and her health was severely neglected and compromised. Trafficked for the sole purpose of commercial exploitation, Holly was made to suffer endlessly as a means to earn money. Today […]

It has been a month since the arrival of Holly at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital, and since then a lot has changed for her. Having spent nearly six decades of her life begging for alms on the streets, Holly’s health was severely neglected and compromised. Today she is finally receiving the critical medical care that she was in dire need[…]

Holly’s story is a heart-breaking tale of the many exploited begging elephants in India. Thankfully, unlike other abused elephants, fate led her to the light at the end of the tunnel towards a better future. At a tender age, begging elephants in India are ripped off from their maternal herd, their families and are trafficked by humans for the[…]

Iconic celebrities from around the world like the Barbi Twins are now asking people to help working and performing elephants like Bijlee who past away Sunday morning near Mumbai, India. It was legendary Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan who essentially launched this campaign through an appeal to animal welfarist to come to the aid of one[…]

Press Release: WILDLIFE SOS APPEALS TO HOLLYWOOD AND BOLLYWOOD CELEBRITIES LIKE AMITABH BACHCHAN TO HELP RESCUE BEGGING STREET ELEPHANTS IN INDIA Earlier this week the National Geographic Society's online editorial news publication News Watch published a tribute to Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan by India's largest wildlife conservation and […]

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[…]

It is well known that elephants love water. Despite their size, they are also excellent swimmers! If you have ever watched an elephant crossing a river or enjoying a bath in it, you might have noticed something fascinating—they often submerge their entire bodies, leaving only the tips of their trunks above water to breathe. This allows them to[…]

Wildlife SOS introduces a new series “Things You Didn’t Know About” that explores fascinating and lesser-known facts about various species. Our writers will spotlight one aspect of the wild, unveiling its unique characteristics and roles in the ecosystem. In this feature, we shed light on a family of lizards often likened to real-life[…]

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 […]

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[…]

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 […]

The 11th annual online auction to benefit elephants featured one-of-a-kind items from our generous donors all over the world. The 13-day event began on April 22, 2024 with nearly 1000 unique items to bid on. With the help of our faithful supporters we raised $180K of our $200K goal. However, we have some exciting news - a generous anonymous donor […]

We human beings are highly emotional creatures. We can explain what we feel through our facial expressions, body language and verbal communication.  But have you ever wondered if animals too have feelings or emotions? If they do, do they show it? And if so, how? Since we cannot go up to them to ask them, the question of animals having[…]

In 2007, a heart-wrenching discovery at Srinagar's Botanical Garden led the Wildlife SOS team to two abandoned Asiatic black bear cubs. Tireless efforts were made to reunite them with their mother, but all attempts were in vain. Barely a week old, the tiny cubs were vulnerable without their mother’s presence. Leaving them all by themselves[…]

Once upon a time in Bellari, Karnataka, a young sloth bear was paraded to perform through the streets. He had been poached and captured as a cub to become a part of the ‘dancing’ bear practice. In order to make the bear perform, a harsh rope was passed through his nose that was pricked by a searing iron poker. Tugging this rope would force[…]

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[…]

On the occasion of Thanksgiving 2023, we at Wildlife SOS gather together to celebrate the contributions of each of our teams that have worked tirelessly to help and support the cause of protecting wildlife.  Nearly three decades ago, an idea to care for voiceless animals was born, which sprouted to see the light of success. The objective[…]

Inaugurated in November 2018, the Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital Campus (EHC) is the first medical facility of its kind in India and serves as a model for improving elephant care worldwide. This facility marked the beginning of providing long-term medical care to rescued elephants with critical health conditions. In the month following its[…]

Today, numerous animals require rescuing from various situations. As an organisation that actively runs and manages over 10 rescue centres across the country, it is no surprise that each of our facilities is a sanctuary to many animals that are under the long-term care of Wildlife SOS. Animals staying in captivity for a long period of time[…]

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[…]

Cinema has the remarkable ability to transport us to distant worlds, to explore the depths of human emotions, and to shed light on the most pressing issues of our time. Films have always been a great medium to inspire or serve as a tool for societal change. They can also make the audience experience different kinds of emotions, expose them to new […]

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[…]

Colossal animals are often associated with giant myths and misconceptions. Little is known about their traits and behaviour. Elephants are the largest land mammals but have been misused in captivity for various nefarious activities that have grossly affected their health. It’s about time we equip ourselves with the right knowledge and[…]

For the Wildlife SOS team and our many supporters, days like today are a flood of emotions. We are heartbroken at the loss of Nina and for the decades of suffering she endured, but at the same time, we find comfort knowing that she experienced our compassion and care during her final years. In the end, dear Nina knew she was loved and was able to […]

Have you ever wondered what’s it like to be born into a family of elephants? If you come to think of it, it is quite an interesting topic to ponder upon. With a plant-based diet, no one in the family will inherit high cholesterol problems! There is an abundance of fresh greens and juicy fruits on the menu every day. What’s more, elephants[…]

Elephants, often regarded as majestic creatures, possess more than just their imposing size and graceful presence. These gentle giants also demonstrate an impressive array of cognitive abilities that continue to astonish researchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. From their social structures to their exceptional memory and problem-solving[…]

Friendship needs no words – it is solitude delivered from the anguish of loneliness.– Dag Hammarskjold The pachyderms cared for by Wildlife SOS certainly embody this statement. One of the ways we assist most of our elephants in recovering psychologically from their traumatic pasts is by pairing them with other elephants and observing the[…]

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[…]

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[…]

Carpooling, saving electricity, thrifting and buying e-vehicle are perhaps some of the most common ideas that pop up when we talk about  “sustainable livelihood”. Perhaps this topic requires a broader line of thinking. We tend to overlook what indigenous communities have to contribute to this discussion. Let’s highlight the role they[…]

Dana has been with Wildlife SOS for nearly three years as Director of Marketing and Communications in the USA office. He works closely with our teams in India to bring exciting rescue stories to life for our supporters, and build lasting connections with the animals we help. Known for his love of all animals and relentless problem-solving skills, […]

NGOs or non-governmental organisations have been the backbone of a society, working on lesser known and lesser focused issues for many years. Be it social or environmental, man-made or natural disasters, there is no denying the fact that NGOs are always at the forefront of crisis situations either acting individually or assisting administrative[…]

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

In one particular scene of the BTS video of viral pop song WAP featuring rappers Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, we get to see an albino Burmese Python on the set. The song did not just use that one Python but a hoard of live snakes for the video. Hollywood has had a long history of using snakes in the entertainment industry, be it for movies,[…]

On 10 November 2021, we bid farewell to our beloved Karma. Talking about the loss of one of his favorite elephants, Karma’s caregiver Surendra said, “During the Covid pandemic, we have all experienced so much loss. Whether it may be a human or animal, the death of a being is hard to cope with. Anytime an animal passes, much like humans, their […]

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[…]

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,[…]

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

India is the land of diversity, in picturesque landscapes, cultural heritage, spirituality, rich flora and fauna and much more. Travelling across this majestic land is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself. However, it is important to remember that animals are not a prop to enjoy during your holiday. As responsible tourists, we must[…]

The elephant proudly holds the title of the largest living land mammal on the planet, which means that the weight of this responsibility rests on their strong limbs. Their body weight is divided on their forelimbs and hindlimbs in a 60 to 40 ratio. At first glance of their large feet, the wide nails and thick skin hide the intricate skeletal[…]

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[…]

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,[…]

Year of arrival: 2021 Age at the time of arrival: Approximately 60 years Sex: Female Personality traits: Docile and calm  Recognisable features: Depigmentation on both eyes; symmetrically depigmented borders on both ears; Depigmentation patch on shoulders Present health condition: Suffers from complete and irreversible[…]

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 […]

Elephants at a complete loss of sight are well aware of the fact that they largely have to depend on their sense of smell for survival. However, when it comes to elephants with partial vision, the equation largely changes as they rely on their sense of partial vision and at the same time grow very wary when introduced to newer[…]

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[…]

Every morning, we find Karma standing close to Kalpana and Holly under the warm winter sun, while she indulges in luxurious dust baths – a habit she picked up from her companion, Holly. As Karma completes one year of care at the Wildlife SOS Field of Dreams today, we celebrate her healing journey! A rather tumultuous 2020 started on a great[…]

Laser therapy in pain management has been a technique in use since many years, especially for human patients who deal with chronic issues related to bones. However, with the passage of time, the model of laser therapy has been instrumental in spelling relief for animals as well. The term “laser” is an acronym for “light amplified by[…]

From all of us at Wildlife SOS, we wish you and those close to you a happy holidays, merry Christmas and happy new year! Thank you for your care and compassion for India's wildlife. Every holiday season, the Wildlife SOS staff loves to prepare special treats for the elephants, bears, leopards and other wildlife in our[…]

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[…]

Musth (pronounced “must”) is an annual hormonal cycle that naturally occurs in adult male bull elephants. The condition can last anywhere from a few days, to as long as several months. Physical and behavioral changes are characterised by as much as a 100x increase in testosterone levels, highly aggressive behaviour, secretion of a[…]

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 […]

A wave of jubilation encapsulated the Wildlife SOS Field of Dreams as our dear Zara took firm steps to the next and most important part of her healing journey – introduction to her herd! Zara, Holly, Kalpana and Karma (L to R) enjoying a sunny day after fresh rains! [Photo (c) Wildlife SOS/Mradul Pathak] Zara has been making remarkable[…]

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

Karma was a begging elephant who had spent most part of her life living in disadvantageous surroundings, unhealthy environment and a largely exhausting routine of trudging along the hot tarred roads littered with shards of broken glass and pebbles. Having survived on a meager diet largely consisting of dry grass, Karma’s new life came with[…]

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[…]

Hyenas have long inhabited the rugged terrain of Uttar Pradesh, but with rapid urbanisation and agricultural expansion, their population is struggling to find a foothold in the shrinking habitats. Increased anthropogenic pressure coupled with the expansion of agricultural land has led to the depletion of the hyena’s natural territory and[…]

A pocket sized ray of sunshine – that is how Odum’s keeper describes the 20 year old male sloth bear taking an afternoon nap in his cosy hammock. Odum is a rescued dancing bear who is currently residing at the Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Center in the southern state of Karnataka.  A pocket sized ray of sunshine – that is how Odum’s[…]

Not all heroes wear capes, some wear Wildlife SOS T-shirts and wake up every morning, ever-so-diligently to go check on the animals that they take care of – indeed, these are the unsung heroes of Wildlife SOS, they are the animal keepers at our rescue centres across the country. Hailing from different corners of the country, these men stand[…]

The majestic demeanour of an elephant seldom remains the same once subjected to a lifetime of abuse and neglect; chained for hours at a stretch, subjected to cruel training methods and living in constant fear of being beaten and poked by a rusted iron ankush (bullhook) can be detrimental to their physical and mental well-being. Such is the story[…]

Year of rescue: 2019 Age at the time of rescue: 45 years old Sex: Female Personality traits: Timid, gentle Recognisable features: Completely blind in the right eye, taller than Holly  Present health condition: Kalpana is presently undergoing laser therapy for her front right leg, as well as medicated footbaths for the abscesses around her[…]

On October 12, 2019, Wildlife SOS founders Kartick Satyanarayan and Geeta Seshamani were joined by over 150 wildlife supporters for the 3rd Annual Tusk After Dusk. The event took place at the marvelous and historic Sowden House in the heart of Hollywood. With the help of our amazing host, Jane Velez-Mitchell (CNN, Jane UnChained), we were able to[…]

When one thinks of poaching of animals, the image of a heavily armed person crops into their head as they try to close on an animal. Such notions are understandable keeping in mind how sophisticated and elaborate poaching as a crime has become over the years. With the spotlight being given to armed poaching, it becomes easy to ignore the other[…]

Wildlife SOS presents Tusk After Dusk on October 12, 2019 at the historic Sowden House in Los Angeles! Join Wildlife SOS cofounders Kartick Satyanarayan and Geeta Seshamani for an inspiring evening featuring celebrity host, exotic Indian vegan cuisine, signature cocktails, live and silent auction, and more!  The Sowden House 5121[…]

There was an unusual storm at night on the 30th of March. Strong, dust-laden winds knocked on every door and window. It seemed as if the sky was angry, for the lightning was ferocious enough to make every living person stop in their tracks and wonder, “Is everything okay?” Perhaps the winds were merely the harbinger of the news that Luna’s[…]

On September 27, 2011, in a dank and filthy circus camp in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, a 24 year old female elephant named Chanda gave birth to her second calf, a tiny baby girl named Suman. Suman’s father Bijli – a magnificent bull despite his missing left tusk – was also at the circus. Further off, her older sister stood restrained[…]

Critically acclaimed Indian actor Adil Hussain, who also starred in the film ‘Life of Pi’ spent the weekend at Wildlife SOS’ Elephant Conservation & Care Center and Bear Rescue Facility in Uttar Pradesh and has extended his support to wildlife protection and conservation in India. Adil Hussain is a popular actor who works in mainstream […]

On Saturday, November 4, Wildlife SOS took the City of Angels by storm for our first annual Tusk After Dusk extravaganza at Hollywood's historic Avalon theater. The lively, sold-out event was a big success, with a great cast of writers, directors, actors, musicians, lawmakers, and, of course, our very own cofounder Kartick Satyanarayan helping[…]

Wires hang precariously between the trees at the edge of the Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve in the Siddi district of Madhya Pradesh. The voltage that shoots through the wires is dangerously high, much above the permissible limit – strung low by poachers that have only the worst intentions at heart. An unsuspecting female bear wanders close to the[…]

Our bear keepers at the Agra Bear Rescue Facility don’t just have the exceptionally important job of caring for our rescued bears, they are also required to use their proximity and wonderfully friendly relationship with the bears they care for to observe these amazing animals and report any discrepancies in behaviour or physical condition to our […]

Just a month after his rescue in the first week of February 2017, Sanjay, formerly known as the Elephant With No Name, has much more than just a name to be proud of. His recovery, both mental and physical, is slowly but steadily progressing under the dedicated care of our wonderful veterinarians and the other staff at the Elephant Conservation and […]

The elephant is a massive bull tusker that towers over the four brothers that claim ‘ownership’ over him. The ownership however, has no supporting documents or paperwork, making it wholly illegal. The elephant is gaunt, with hip bones and a spine that jut out awkwardly from his frame. His feet are in abominable condition – cracks run through […]

Universal Children’s Day not only celebrates and encourages efforts to promote child welfare and addresses the need to  fight for the rights that they truly deserve, but is also a reminder that much remains to be done in securing economic, political, social, civil and cultural rights of children worldwide. When Wildlife SOS started the[…]

Wildlife SOS cofounders Kartick Satyanarayan and Geeta Seshamani are adding dates to their U.S. tour! As of now, their 2016 lecture series will feature stops in Los Gatos, California; Greenwich, Connecticut; and Salt Lake City, Utah. Kartick and Geeta will share true-life stories about catching poachers, re-training Kalandar communities steeped in […]

11th February, 2016 marked the second edition of the Wildlife SOS Webinar, where our co-founders Kartick Satyanarayan and Geeta Seshamani shared the story of their successful journey towards eradicating the “dancing bear” practise in India. The webinar set an ideal opportunity for us to help spread the word about conservation awareness and[…]

The month of February had plenty in store for Wildlife SOS as two of our research biologists from India, Dr. Arun, Director- Research and Veterinary Operations and Mr. Baiju Raj, M. V. Wildlife Biologist, Director Conversation Project were invited to the United States to deliver a talk on Wildlife SOS and its aims & goals for wildlife[…]

New Delhi, INDIA (September 3, 2014) Chances are you either saw the video or heard the story of Raju the elephant, who was rescued this past July in Uttar Pradesh, India after being held captive for almost 50 years in chains. A court date has been set for September 11th to decide whether Raju should return back to his owner who abused and[…]

By Aishuwarya Sudarshan Imagine being bound and gagged with your arms folded behind your back and your feet duct taped tight ! This is how we found Rango at the Delhi International Airport when security cameras spotted a strange movement at the departure terminal! Airport officers were gob smacked to find a long green creature struggling to[…]

By Jordan Schaul The last weekend of April 2013 was a big weekend for Wildlife SOS. The Team was in the Los Angeles area following talks presented in the Midwest. The two fundraising events were held on our behalf to raise money for our animal ambassadors, as we are trying to provide new homes for leopards and elephants. First, we received a[…]