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[…]
Read MoreLessons From Pari – Elephant of The Month
They say everything around us is meant to teach us a lesson. At Wildlife SOS, we believe that our greatest teachers are our animals, specifically our elephants. From lessons on the importance of companionship to the power of forgiveness, our elephants are a trunk full of knowledge. One particular elephant, who continues to teach us vital lessons[…]
Read MorePari’s Long-Awaited Bell Removal!
The long-awaited day is finally here for the bell around Pari’s neck to finally come off. Pari has lived the last 20 years of her life being exploited as a begging elephant. She suffers from various health problems like severe bone degeneration, ankylosis, infected toenails, malnutrition, chronic abscesses on her body etc. Adding to her misery, […]
Read MoreOne Month Into Pari’s Healing Journey!
20-year-old Pari could barely take a step without experiencing excruciating pain in her legs, yet she was forced to beg on the streets and used in wedding processions. Her poor condition and abnormal gait indicated that she has suffered severe neglect, lack of medical attention, and was chained for long hours leading to a permanent[…]
Read MorePari
Year of arrival: 2021 Age at the time of arrival: Approximately 20 years Sex: Female Personality traits: Curious about her surroundings, engages with her enrichments Recognisable features: due to prolonged periods of being tied in an extreme posture, her front legs appear slanted in an angular manner thereby,[…]
Read MorePari Is Coming Home – Follow Her Journey to Wildlife SOS!
A couple of days ago we wrote to you about Pari the elephant who desperately needs our help. November 29, 2021 – After extensive planning, the Wildlife SOS team is preparing to bring Pari to safety. The first and foremost step in any rescue operation is preparing the Elephant Ambulance to ensure a safe and trouble-free[…]
Read MoreSaving a Little Angel Named Pari
November 16, 2021 - This could be our most dangerous rescue ever, which is why we are unable to reveal many details about a little elephant named Pari who is in dire need of help. Pari means "angel" in Hindi. She is barely able to stand, yet still forced to work. The few photos we have of Pari are distressing and illustrate that she is in[…]
Read MoreUK Fundraiser Focus!
We wholeheartedly appreciate the support we receive from people all over the world who volunteer and raise funds for the rescued and rehabilitated animals of Wildlife SOS. Animals under our care have endured severe suffering and traumatic experiences in cruel captivity, until Wildlife SOS provided them with a second chance at life. We are deeply[…]
Read MoreThe Silent Struggle Of Kashmir’s Hangul
Hangul, also known as the Kashmir stag, graces the beautiful landscapes of Kashmir. This unique subspecies of the Asian red deer, scientifically known as Cervus hanglu hanglu, holds a special place in the region's rich biodiversity. In 2017, the hangul was recognised as a distinct species after it was previously believed to be a subspecies of the […]
Read MoreThe Scent-sational Wonders Of Animals!
The nose possesses a powerful sense, allowing living beings to respond in various ways. While humans primarily use their nasal cavity for smelling, animals leverage their noses to extract essential information that they get from the smell, such as the presence of potential mates, predators in their surroundings, and the food that they require.[…]
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 MoreListening To The Wild Through Animals’ Ears
When working in a corporate environment, you may often have an urge to know what your boss says about your work while in a meeting. Eavesdropping, however, can be too risky. A human being can hear sounds that range from 20 to 20,000 hertz (Hz). But what if you had a hearing range of 40 to 60,000 Hz? This could help you to listen to conversations[…]
Read MoreBridging The Gap Between Humans And Leopards
Maharashtra's landscape is diverse, encompassing lush green forests, vast plateaus, rolling hills, and protected ecosystems like the Western Ghats and national parks. The variety of habitats creates ideal environments for the elusive and magnificent leopard to reside in. The state's geography enables leopards to move between different areas,[…]
Read MoreWelcome Rama, The Newest Pachyderm At EHC
Having been separated from his family at a tender age, Rama, the makhna or tuskless elephant, has suffered nothing but pain for the first 25 years of his life. As his mind, body and spirit were broken by the cruel process of phajaan, this gentle giant has been unfamiliar with human kindness all along. Elephants are cared for and protected by[…]
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 MoreWildlife SOS Collaborates With Students From WII!
Wildlife SOS strongly believes that education starts from the day one decides they want to learn. Abiding by this, Wildlife SOS recently collaborated with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) to host a field tour and an awareness session for the students of the institute, along with Dr. Parag Nigam, Head of the Veterinary Department and the Head […]
Read MoreConverse To Conserve: Raising Awareness Through Training And Education At MLRC
There is no conservation without conversation. As human and animal habitations intersect due to diminishing spaces and resources, more and more wild animals are entering into conflict with Homo sapiens. To turn conflict into cohabitation in India, Wildlife SOS takes the essential route of dissipating proper knowledge and busting myths among local […]
Read MoreDroppings 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[…]
Read MoreTime-out: Animals Showcase Ways To Relax!
Often when we feel exhausted, be it mentally or physically, we convince ourselves to take a day off from the stress we are going through. Many of us decide to read books, head to the spa, or just choose to sit and watch movies while munching on our favourite snack. It is extremely important to hit the pause button from time to time in order to[…]
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 MoreUrban Avians: The Plight Of Black Kites In The City
For urban wildlife, adaptability is a double-edged sword. On one end, several animals are now accustomed to cityscapes and can derive their needs from the urban environment. However, the ever-growing, dynamic cities have also brought unpleasant challenges that need urgent redressal. The black kite (Milvus migrans) is one of the most abundant[…]
Read MoreRescues From The Helpline – April 2023
Rescue helplines are crucial lifelines for wildlife since they connect concerned citizens with skilled wildlife rescuers. These helplines play a significant role in providing distressed wildlife with another chance at life. The Wildlife SOS dedicated Rapid Response Units are always on the move, promptly responding to calls emanating from multiple […]
Read MoreVolunteer Recognition Day – A Dedication To Those Who Care For Animal Welfare
Volunteers become an indispensable part of NGOs, especially those advocating for the rights of voiceless animals. On International Volunteer Recognition Day 2023, Wildlife SOS takes the opportunity to acknowledge and applaud the tireless efforts of those who work towards wildlife conservation. These unsung heroes come from various walks of life,[…]
Read MoreWildlife SOS Assists In Asian Waterbird Census 2023 At Agra
As the Asian Waterbird Census for 2023 concludes, Wildlife SOS, with its association with the programme, participates in yet yet another important contribution to biodiversity conservation. The annual census aims to ascertain the avian diversity of waterbirds, as well as the prevailing condition of the wetlands they migrate to. The monitoring and […]
Read MoreWildlife SOS in California!
Join us in San Francisco and Los Angeles for a brunch to save elephants! Toast for Tusks is a VIP event geared for Wildlife SOS supporters who want to connect more deeply with our work. Meet our co-founders Kartick Satyanarayan and Geeta Seshamani. March 26 in San Francisco April 1 in Los Angeles Meet the founders, ask questions[…]
Read MoreAnimals 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[…]
Read MoreElephant Of The Month – Suraj, The Sunshine Of Wildlife SOS
Suraj lived most of his life in a dark and damp room, with no opportunity to feel sunshine on his skin — which is ironic, considering his name translates to “sun”. Like many other Asian elephants in India, he lived his life as a temple elephant. The practice of having elephants at the temple is one that is interwoven deep within our[…]
Read MoreStaff Profile Of The Month: Mohammed Ubed Khan
Like all the other caregivers at the Van Vihar Bear Rescue Facility (VVBRF), Mohammed Ubed Khan arrives at the centre early in the morning. His day usually starts as soon as he arrives at 7:30 am. His job? To look after the Sloth bears residing at the facility. Ubed Khan has been with us for over 13 years, and a fact that not many people know[…]
Read MoreReptiles And Their Unique Way To Brave The Cold
As temperatures start to drop with the advent of winter, ectothermic animals start preparing for the change in season so as to adapt to the harsh and brutal cold. Ectothermic animals rely on the external environment to regulate their body temperature. Reptiles and amphibians are commonly known ectothermic animals who have to adjust to the[…]
Read MoreWildlife Education At Our Rescue Centres
We often get confused when we hear the word ‘education’ since its textbook definition is one-dimensional. Most of us associate the process of learning within certain settings of schools, colleges and universities, but we tend to forget about the most important education centre of all – Nature. All of Wildlife SOS’ rescue and[…]
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 MoreShining A Light On The Caregivers Of Wildlife SOS
A major part of Wildlife SOS’ day-to-day work includes running its rescue centres across the country to provide high-quality care to the resident animals – be it our elephants, bears or leopards. To keep the centres perfectly up and running in a seamless manner requires a passionate and loving group of people. The caregivers at Wildlife SOS[…]
Read MoreAquatic 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[…]
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 MoreThe Role of Molar Teeth In Age Determination of Elephants
Have you ever wondered how veterinarians are able to examine the age of an elephant? How is it that they look at this seemingly unchanging giant, that most of us think to be a “wise, old creature” and determine how many years it has lived? And why would they need to know the age of an elephant anyway? Many might say that one can determine[…]
Read MoreIntroducing The Indian Softshell Turtle
Today, of the 350 turtle species in the world, nearly half of them are endangered. With earliest fossils dating back to almost 220 million years ago – to the period of dinosaurs – turtles are the oldest living reptile group to exist currently. These reptiles play a crucial role in the natural world. In the food web, they act as predators, but […]
Read MorePesticides: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly
We regularly hear about the downside of pesticides to human health, but there seems to be no attempt to stop the production of these synthesised chemicals. Despite the number of news reports highlighting the adverse effects of pesticides, their use remains rampant. What is the story behind pesticides? Is there more to pesticides than the toxic[…]
Read MoreInternational Day of World’s Indigenous People: Lessons from the Kalandar Community
Amidst the diverse population of India, an estimated 104 million are Indigenous people. Despite their differences, they share certain commonalities with Indigenous people around the world - ostracisation, poverty and the lack of basic human rights. To raise awareness about the various needs of this population group, August 9th is celebrated as[…]
Read MoreInfosys Spends Saturday at BBRC!
When we come across the word ‘corporate’, what comes to mind instantly are air-conditioned rooms inside glass buildings in a busy, buzzing city. Who would think that corporations could play a meaningful role in conserving wildlife? Well, just as each of us, in our own ways, can help conserve wildlife, corporations too can contribute a[…]
Read MoreLeopard Reunions
In rural Maharashtra’s sugarcane fields, farmers often come across unexpected guests in the form of leopards. Maharashtra has the third-highest population of leopards in India, so human-leopard interface is not a rare occurrence. But why sugarcane fields specifically? The state of Maharashtra is the second-largest producer of sugarcane[…]
Read MoreRestoring Eco-Balance: Wildlife SOS Combats Climate Change
In order to tackle the climate crisis at hand, Wildlife SOS too has taken up the responsibility to include eco-friendly methods in its various duties. By planting trees at our rescue centres, restoring an entire forest, using solar energy at our rescue centres and providing aid in biodiversity conservation, Wildlife SOS is doing its best to[…]
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 MoreWildlife Folklores And A Potpourri Of Fascinating Stories
What else can make your day better, than a story – or rather a set of stories! Folktales or folklores are common in all cultures. These are generally fables which mostly originate in a community and are passed down through generations by word-of-mouth. Just like human societies, there are folklores related to wildlife and wild animals too. Let[…]
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 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 MoreEco-friendly Practices At Wildlife SOS Prove Sustainability Starts At Home
As a wildlife conservation organisation, we always remind ourselves that wildlife is a part of nature and without conserving nature, there would be no wildlife to protect. That is why at Wildlife SOS, we engage in several eco-friendly and sustainable practices keeping in mind the broader picture. Solar panels at BBRC which power the entire[…]
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 MoreManjha Menace: Bird Injuries On The Rise Due To Kite Flying
Each year, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm in many parts of India. The day brings along social festivities such as colourful decorations, people singing and dancing, fancy treats and feasts, fairs, bonfires, and kite flying. The rejuvenating, joyful activity of kite-flying is particularly popular during this festival.[…]
Read MoreFollow Ginger’s Journey To Wildlife SOS
Just a day after Pari’s successful rescue, the Wildlife SOS team sets out on another mission to rescue Ginger. At approximately 60 years of age, Ginger has been living life as a begging elephant, adorning bright paint on her face and extending her trunk in front of people in the hopes of alms. At some point in her life, Ginger had been blinded[…]
Read MoreReflecting and Rejoicing at Wildlife SOS!
Like a tradition that binds a family together, Christmas has become an integral part of Wildlife SOS. As December commences, every Wildlife SOS Rescue center reverberates with rumblings of ideas to make Christmas a joyous and memorable occasion for our resident animals. This year our care teams in Maharashtra, Agra, Bangalore, and Mathura left no […]
Read MoreTop Rescues of 2021
2021 has been a difficult year with the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. While it continued to affect all aspects of our lives, the Wildlife SOS Rapid Response teams remained committed to the cause and responded to myriad wildlife rescue calls. To pay homage to our dedicated and hard-working teams, we are highlighting some of the most[…]
Read MoreTop Fundraisers for 2021
Throughout the year Wildlife SOS has been fortunate to receive support from nearly 200 supporters who have started their very own fundraising campaigns for wildlife using Facebook’s fundraising tools. We’re incredibly grateful to each and every person who dedicated their birthday, wedding, holidays, or special occasion to wildlife by[…]
Read More2021 Elephant Rescue Recap – Four Beautiful Ladies!
Much like 2020, the uncertainty of COVID lockdowns and restrictions posed significant obstacles to overcome for our rescue teams. But these added challenges didn't slow our efforts to help as many captive elephants as we could, bringing four new members to the Wildlife SOS family. Please welcome Emma, Nina, Pari and Ginger! SUPPORT THE[…]
Read MoreLeopard Rescued from Aligarh College
Human-wildlife conflicts have become a regular occurrence due to the continuous decline in natural animal habitation and forest cover. Human encroachments on forest lands have been steadily on the rise for the last many decades and as a result, wild animal sightings in human habitations has become the new norm. Leopard is one such animal that[…]
Read MoreVolunteers & Visitors: Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation & Care Centre (ECCC) Mathura, & Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF) A Application process Please complete the online application process within the Volunteer page on our website. Once you completed the required information fields and confirmed your preferred volunteer[…]
Read MoreStaff Profile Of The Month – Rakhee Sharma
Many people are unaware of the important role that local communities can play in wildlife conservation. When Wildlife SOS spearheaded the eradication of the dancing bear practice in India, the community which was dependent on these bears for a livelihood, the Kalandars, looked at us with wary eyes for taking away their source of employment. We[…]
Read MoreRaju’s Seventh Year Celebrated With A Surprise!
The Wildlife SOS Field of Dreams witnessed an unusual amount of activity on the morning of 4th of July, this year. It turns out our elephant care staff was counting days to this grand day of celebration when they would organize a surprise feast for one of our beloved elephants— Raju! Seven years ago, everyone was moved to tears with Raju’s[…]
Read MoreStaff Profile Of The Month – Lavanya Raju
Lavanya takes a walk with Chanchal at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre. Lavanya Raju is the Director of Finance and Administration based in our small Utah, USA office. She joined Wildlife SOS in 2015. You can often find Lavanya working closely with our supporters on questions about their monthly donations, estate[…]
Read MoreVolunteers From Atlassian Lend a Hand at BBRC
The Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC), houses over 70 rescued sloth bears, and is located in Bengaluru, India. BBRC was established in the year 2005 with the purpose of providing high quality care and treatment to the rescued sloth bears, in collaboration with Karnataka Forest Department and Zoo Authority of Karnataka. The resident sloth[…]
Read MoreThree Leopard Cubs Reunited With Their Mother
Three months into the New Year and this heartwarming story of a reunion will fill you with a renowned sense of hope and happiness! The season of harvest announces its arrival in the country and directly coincides with the breeding season for leopards, who use the thick foliage of the sugarcane fields to give birth. The shielding from the tall[…]
Read MoreA Delicacy to the Sloth Bear Palate
Just as different corners of the earth are known for certain delicacies, whether it be New Orleans for its beignets, Paris for their macaroons, or New York for their pizza, different regions within sloth bear range also have their unique delicacies… at least to the sloth bear palate. One of the more interesting ones is found on the Deccan[…]
Read MoreBear of the Month: Cupid
A reigning joke at the Wildlife SOS Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre is that curiosity and an utter disregard for boundaries resulted in our dearest Cupid’s birth. Her mother, Kavi gave birth to the young cub at the start of 2015 after a probable tryst with a wild bear residing in the Bannerghatta National Park. Cupid’s birth was an utter[…]
Read MoreBear Keeper of the Month: Mohammad Yasin
From a very young age, Mohammad Yasin would find an excuse to visit the Dachigam National Park for various reasons - from witnessing the beautiful snow-capped mountains of the Kashmir valley to spotting the wildlife endemic to this region. His artistic side always convinced his family that he would make a career in the creative field but his[…]
Read MoreOur Rescued Bears Gear Up For Winters
There is something dreamy about the sheath of white snow that covers the picturesque greenery in the Northern valley of Kashmir. This is the best time to spot our rescued Asiatic black bears and Himalayan brown bears in full zeal, frolicking around in snow! The Wildlife SOS Bear Rescue Centres in Jammu and Kashmir have welcomed the first snow of[…]
Read MoreJai 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[…]
Read MoreKeeper 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[…]
Read MoreHappy Tenth Rescueversary Bijli!
Bijli, whose name means ‘lightning’ in Hindi, truly lives up to her name and is always keeping her companions and caregiver on their toes with her antics. This gentle giant has undertaken a journey of ten years to recover from a tumultuous past and has transformed into a strong, confident elephant. Here’s celebrating the[…]
Read MoreKeeper of the Month: Shabir Ahmed Bhat!
Hailing from the Northernmost state of India, with its breath-taking mountains and picturesque valleys, is Shabir Ahmed Bhat, our bear keeper at the Wildlife SOS Dachigam Bear Rescue Centre, Jammu and Kashmir. What makes Shabir the keeper of this month is his unmatched enthusiasm towards working for the betterment of wildlife and the efforts that […]
Read MoreFive Interesting Things about Sloth Bear Denning!
Like all bears, sloth bears make use of dens. However, the denning practices of the sloth bear vary substantially from the denning practices of other bear species. Unlike brown bears, or American black bears, sloth bears do not hibernate and therefore do not use dens in that capacity. However, sloth bears do use two types of dens: resting and[…]
Read MorePublications
1. DANCING BEARS OF INDIA** (Published in August 1997)By Geeta Seshamani & Kartick Satyanarayan (Co-founders, Wildlife S.O.S) Important Disclaimer: Though this Study was funded by WSPA, WSPA has NEVER supported any of Wildlife S.O.S’s Bear Rescue Centres, Dancing BearRescue Projects or Kalandar Community Rehabilitation[…]
Read MoreFodor’s Article Misleads Tourists About Ethics of Elephant Rides!
Fodor’s recently published a story that is misinforming tourists with industry propaganda that perpetuates cruelty to elephants. The once-reputable travel information source has been helping tourists for more than 70 years, but a recent article whose author claims to be a “responsible tourism writer,” tries to justify elephant rides for[…]
Read MoreKeeper Of The Month: Balu Mundhe!
Taking care of big cats is not an easy task, especially for the leopards under our care as they have been rescued from situations of conflict or serious injuries and some even bear the brunt of separation from their mothers at a young age. What makes the care of these majestic leopards possible is the utmost dedication of their caregivers who are […]
Read MoreWild Tusker successfully Radio-collared; Relocated to Mitigate Conflict in Tamil Nadu.
The incidents in the recent past have surely questioned our basic sense of humanity and the concept of co-existence to our core, especially with people conspiring to put wild elephants in harm’s way by poisoning them or keeping explosives in their way. What restores faith in humanity, in these troubled times, is news from Tamil Nadu where[…]
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 Importance Of A Healthy Amazon
Amazon forests extend over 550 million hectare land area encompassing several countries namely Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Colombia, and Venezuela etc in the continent of South America. The extent of the forests is 1.7 times the total geographical area of India, which is 320 million hectare. With such an enormity the trees in these forests, take in […]
Read MoreChildren 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[…]
Read MoreParalyzed leopard beats all odds to walk again, returns successfully to the wild!
Wildlife conservation work is fraught with hazards. Not only is it a job very much dependent on external funding, it is also a challenge to navigate through the hazy perimeters of bureaucracy, and there are always chances of failure of attempts at rehabilitation or rescue operations going awry. One of the hardest things, however, is to put your[…]
Read MoreWildlife in Solidarity With The Changing Climate
“What do we want? Climate Justice. When do we want it? Now!” With Fridays for Future striking across the world, residents, students, and young activists took to the streets of New Delhi this month, to show their solidarity with the ongoing climate. As an organization that is working towards conserving India’s wildlife, it cannot be denied[…]
Read MoreMeet Veerpal: One of our Loving Bear Keepers
It’s been over 10 years since Veerpal joined Wildlife SOS and became a part of our family. Having worked at three of our rescue centers, Veerpal started at an early age and has ever since dedicated his life to taking care of the rescued sloth bears. How did you start working with Wildlife SOS? I heard about Wildlife SOS from my brother[…]
Read MoreImpart Sustainable Forests Management on this International Day of Forests
The foundations of the World Forestry Day can trace its roots back to 1971, at the 23rd General Assembly of European Confederation of Agriculture. Centering the focus on creating public awareness about the importance of forests, the idea was to associate international significance to the day. Hence, on the 28th of November 2012, by a resolution of […]
Read MoreThe Jaws of Death; Leopard Rescued from Jaw Trap set up by Poachers in Maharashtra
One of the cruelest human-created threats to wildlife, the jaw trap is clearly the most common devices used to trap or immobilize animals. Used across centuries, jaw traps are lethal hunting devices which can cause severe lacerations, joint dislocations, mutilations, fractures and even death in most cases. Animals caught in these traps often[…]
Read MoreCelebrating Priyanka’s First Year Anniversary!
Day after day for more than 40 years, Priyanka walked the hot, tarred roads inside the congested lanes of whatever cities, towns, and villages her "owner" demanded (she was in fact not legally owned). To him, this sweet elephant was nothing more than an ATM, a money-making machine to be used for begging on the streets — when she wasn't strapped[…]
Read MoreLeopard saved from drowning in a 30 ft deep well in Maharashtra!
The Indian Leopard, is a Vulnerable species, as listed in the IUCN Red List and is widely distributed in the Indian subcontinent. With an estimated figure of 12,000-14,000 leopards remaining in the country, the need to heed even a single call for help is evident. One such unforeseen event was reported to Wildlife SOS, on 6th October, in the[…]
Read MoreCelebrating Gajraj’s First Rescue Anniversary!
The summer of 2017 brought warm sunshine and an atmosphere of excitement that lingered at ECCC as the staff was preparing to welcome elephant Gajraj, literally the King of Elephants, to take his first steps into a lifetime of freedom. Gajraj was given to the royal family of Aundh on the occasion of a wedding, and had since become an icon of[…]
Read More#SaveSuman Campaign
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[…]
Read MoreFounder of ENP, Lek Chailert Visits The Elephant Conservation & Care Center
We set up our Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in Mathura in 2010, as the first and only one of its kind to care for and rehabilitate illegally owned, sick and injured elephants from across the country. One of the inspiring and guiding influences in our journey with elephants has been the indomitable Sangduen Chailert, fondly called Lek, the[…]
Read MoreThree Leopard Cubs Reunited With Mother in Nashik by Team Wildlife SOS
Earlier this week, local farmers in Brahmanwada village, Nashik stumbled upon three tiny leopard cubs huddled together amidst the dense sugarcane fields while harvesting their crops. The cubs were barely old enough to open their eyes and were mewling helplessly for their mother so the farmers called in the Forest Department for help. It is not[…]
Read MoreTraining Workshop For Regional Forest Officer Trainees at MLRC
The Telangana State Forest Officer Academy at Dulapally, Hyderabad has decided to include visit and training at the Wildlife SOS Manekdoh Leopard Rescue Centre as a part of its two year training curriculum. This is owing to the efficient management and mitigation of the Man-Leopard conflict in the region by Wildlife SOS and the ceaseless efforts[…]
Read MoreMeet Prakash, Our Caring Bear Keeper!
Prakash has been a part of the Wildlife SOS team for more than 14 years, having worked at both our Agra Bear Rescue Facility and now at our Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Facility. Prakash is extremely popular among the staff and the rescued sloth bears alike, because of the passion and genuine love for the animals he works with, that is so evident when […]
Read MoreGajraj’s Rescue Journey To Our Elephant Conservation & Care Center!
BREAKING NEWS! Gajraj, the 70 year old bull whose name literally means 'the king of the elephants' has finally been rescued! As he makes his journey from Aundh to reach the Wildlife SOS' Elephant Conservation and Care Center in Mathura along with our expert paramedics and rescue team, it will take them a couple of days to cover the 1500 kms[…]
Read MorePregnant Leopard Saved From Drowning, Loses Life To Injuries
In an all too familiar scenario in India, that sheds light on the dangers of open wells in villages near forests, the life of another innocent animal was claimed by this growing threat to wildlife in Maharashtra. Earlier this week, a female leopard ventured into Borwadi village located on the outskirts of Junnar leaving behind her safe hiding[…]
Read MoreBest auction yet! $60,000 in 10 days!
Our fourth annual auction was the biggest one yet! The amazing Wildlife SOS volunteers helped us collect more than 400 items from gracious donors all over the world. We simply could not have offered such variety in the auction without their help. We’d like to take a moment to thank everyone who helped make this auction possible. Our USA-based[…]
Read MoreWildlife SOS Celebrates National Wildlife Week
With its rugged mountains, rolling hills, dense forests and miles of sandy coasts, India has been endowed with a rich and varied natural heritage enabling it to support an ecosystem that is home to wildlife species that are diverse, unique and often endemic to the subcontinent. However with the prioritization of urbanization that typically[…]
Read MoreAn Unusual Visitor in Delhi’s Most Powerful Street
As dawn broke over the national capital, a nilgai also known as a blue bull decided to leave the comforts of her peaceful forested home located within the city and wandered into the unfamiliar concrete jungle that dominates it. Giving in to her curiosity, the large antelope soon found herself in Rajpath, New Delhi’s most powerful and highly[…]
Read MorePangolin Scales Seized From Poachers In Gwalior
In yet another incident that proves that poaching and illegal trade of wildlife species continues to be prevalent in India, three poachers in possession of several kilos of rare pangolin body parts were intercepted in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The Wildlife SOS Anti-Poaching Unit (FOREST WATCH) recently received intelligence about an illicit[…]
Read MoreRamdurga Valley in the Summers
The heat is almost unbearable, shooting to highs of almost 45°C, as the Wildlife SOS team hikes through the forests of Ramdurga, strong gusts of hot, dry wind sending wilted leaves and dust swirling about. Under their feet, an audible crunching noise emanates with each step as dead foliage is crushed underfoot and embedded into the parched[…]
Read MoreInjured Leopard Wanders Into a House in Karnataka
The residents of Bangalore woke up to yet another day of the hustle and bustle of the busy city life, meanwhile, just an hour away from the city; the residents of the laid back village of Hosadoddi were in for a rather unexpected morning. Injured and hungry, a leopard wanders into a house located close to the forest area, in search of food and a[…]
Read More123 Turtles Rescued From Poachers & Released Back Into The Wild
The bus conductor gestured towards the women waiting at the Anand Vihar Bus Terminal, indicating towards the open luggage compartment where they were to load their bags before boarding the bus. The three women stood up, and lugged their six bags towards the waiting vehicle. The policeman at the side looked on as people boarded the bus, sparing a[…]
Read MoreA Week with Wildlife SOS: The Chinmaya School Volunteers at our centers!
A group of thirteen students from the Chinmaya International School volunteered at Wildlife SOS’ Agra Bear Rescue Facility and Elephant Conservation and Care Centre for a week towards the end of the last month. The students had at least two things in common- they were all from the twelfth standard and were incredibly passionate about wildlife.[…]
Read MoreRescues and Road kill- Issued in Public Awareness
The Gurgaon-Faridabad expressway extends from Sikanderpur, Gurgaon to Pali-Bhakri, Faridabad, connecting major industrial zones, tourist destinations and corporate offices, as well as the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Since becoming operational in 2012, and with subsequent expansions and widening, the nearly 30 km long road has become a[…]
Read More