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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[…]

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[…]

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:[…]

In April 2015, 6 year old Peanut  became the youngest elephant ever to be rescued by Wildlife SOS. Peanut was part of a group of four young elephants that had spent the entirety of their lives performing in a circus in the Indian state of Maharashtra. When not being made to perform demeaning and often dangerous tricks for the amusement of the[…]

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[…]

The Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC) is a verdant haven for our resident bears. Among them is Millie, who is soaking up the blissful environment with renewed vigour and zest for life. As our Bear of the Month, let’s walk you through the resilient ursine’s rescue story and her life of care at Wildlife SOS. [Photo © Wildlife SOS /[…]

A doleful overcast set over the Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre as our beloved Chitra bid us farewell. As the leaves rustle over her field, it seems as though they whisper warm memories of a sloth bear who had found comfort and solace under their shade for over 17 years. Chitra was highly emaciated when she arrived at Bannerghatta Bear Rescue[…]

Consider this: An employee reaches their workplace on time every day, completes each task assigned, and meets all targets. For such excellent performance, the staff member is rewarded with a gift card at the end of every month, which motivates the employee to repeat this behaviour in the upcoming months as well. This practice of encouraging an[…]

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[…]

At Wildlife SOS, our journey with rescued sloth bears has been one of continuous learning and adaptation. In the early days of our work, little was known about the elusive sloth bear, but as we encountered various ailments and conditions in rehabilitated bears, our veterinary practices evolved, driven by research and a deep commitment to their[…]

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 […]

Being able to shine the spotlight on our veterinarians is always fascinating as they open up a dimension of interesting stories and life experiences. Our staff focus for this month is Dr. E. Gochalan, who works and fights as a veterinary officer with Wildlife SOS, and holds elephants very dear to his heart (so much so that he even has a tattoo of […]

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[…]

Laxmi’s larger-than-life persona and playful antics have made her a favourite amongst our staff and supporters! Rescued in 2013 as a begging elephant from Maharashtra, Laxmi came under our care as an obese elephant. The year 2024 marks her 11th year at Wildlife SOS’s Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC), where the relentless care she[…]

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[…]

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[…]

It is said that individuals sharing the same traumatic experiences often bond very well. For our rescued elephant Emma, introduction to her now two best friends Maya and Phoolkali, has proven this point. Emma was rescued and brought in at the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC), Mathura, in 2021. Being a shy pachyderm, she was given a[…]

A father is one’s biggest role model. His guidance and hard work are inspiring aspects that define him. However, the qualities of a father can sometimes be found in someone you aren’t related to — one who teaches you responsibility and pushes you to be your best. A father figure could be the mentor who patiently imparts knowledge, a teacher […]

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 […]

Sloth bears, renowned for their solitary nature, show profound social behaviour when cubs are with their mothers. After a gestation period of approximately seven months, mothers deliver their cubs into a world where they must learn how to survive. The initial two years of a cub's life are therefore extremely crucial, because during this period,[…]

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[…]

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 […]

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

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[…]

In 2008, an old, emaciated sloth bear stepped into the Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC) in Karnataka, in hope for a better life. This sloth bear had endured a past of being a ‘dancing’ bear, and was handed over to Wildlife SOS by her Kalandar owner to sustain her well-being. Established 18 years ago, BBRC has been instrumental in[…]

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[…]

An ideal winter day for our resident animals is when the sun's rays manage to reach out through the mist to give them each a hug. [Picture (c) Wildlife SOS/ Mradul Pathak] But on some special days of this season, familiar beings wearing the striking colour of red receive an equally warm welcome from our sloth bears, elephants and[…]

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 […]

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[…]

Blinding lights. Deafening noise. The brutal strikes of a curved bull-hook biting into flesh. Far from the scent of forests, without the reassuring touch of a family member’s trunk. This had been Mia’s life for 42 years, till this pachyderm was rescued by Wildlife SOS and rehabilitated at the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre[…]

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[…]

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[…]

Nestled amidst the tranquil peaks of the Himalayas is the lovely and quaint hill station of Sonamarg, the ‘Meadow of Gold’. Historically known for its significance as a gateway on the ancient Silk Road that connects Kashmir with Tibet, it gained stature after the 1999 Kargil War, when it emerged as a strategic point for the Indian Army.[…]

Humans and animals have lived on this planet for countless years. As cohabitants, man and wildlife have evolved in multifaceted ways to support their own survival. But some have gone ahead to make exceptional contributions that balance the ecosystem. On World Elephant Day this year, we take a look at the lives of elephants, the largest land[…]

Over 9 years ago, Raju was brought to our facility after he was saved from a brutal life he had endured for half a century. His rescue was momentous not only because of his remarkable personal story, but he also brought international exposure to the plight of countless captive Asian elephants. To this effect, I recall one reporter asking, “I[…]

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[…]

Hailing from the Mughal era, the tradition of 'dancing' bears was once a thriving practice that was passed down from generation to generation among the Kalandar community. As time progressed and the royal era declined, the Kalandar community had to take this practice to the streets in order to sustain their livelihood. While the community[…]

The first thought that comes to anyone’s mind when thinking about a hammock is lying on a swinging bed strung on the barks of trees, the sun rays peeking through the leaves, and feeling absolutely relaxed. Hammocks can be used by children and adults who wish to take a break from their routine for just a bit.  It is believed that the[…]

Saying goodbye is never easy. With a heavy heart, we bid adieu to our dearest Butterball. Butterball was just a cub when she arrived at Agra Bear Rescue Facility back in 2003. As we look back on her journey with Wildlife SOS, we are reminded of how she narrowly escaped the grasp of brutality. Sloth bear cubs remain under their mother’s[…]

Today there are three living elephant species found on Earth: the Asian elephant, the African forest elephant and the African savanna elephant. These elephants are the descendants of mammals that lived millions of years ago and represent the last remnants of the order Proboscidea. The fossils of their ancestors are still being unearthed to this[…]

Each sloth bear under our care has come with a tainted past, a past filled with trauma and fear. The story of most of these bears finds its root in the ‘dancing’ bear practice, and these bears have experienced pain that is even more intense than one can imagine. While the rescued bears are riddled with physical and psychological trauma, some[…]

Year of arrival: 2019 Age at the time of arrival: Approximately 10 years Sex: Male Personality traits: Playful, but gets intimidated easily Recognisable features: Three-limbed; Vasi lost a limb in a snare trap Favourite activities: Relaxing in the den that he digs[…]

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 […]

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[…]

“The only reason for being a bee is to make honey. And the only reason for making honey is so that I can eat it.” — Winnie the Pooh This line from our lovable childhood bear encapsulates perfectly the love bears have for all things sweet, especially honey. The bears at our centres too, love sweet treats like honey and peanut[…]

To acknowledge the contribution of women in the field of wildlife conservation, Indian actress Aditi Prabhudeva visited the Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre on International Women’s Day. She was accompanied by her family members who showed their support for Wildlife SOS. Aditi is a familiar face in the Kannada film and television industry and […]

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[…]

It’s no secret that winters and holiday season go hand-in-glove. ’Tis also the time when the jovial atmosphere of the festive season transforms us and the chill in the air calls for wrapping ourselves in jackets, scarves and blazers. Overwhelmed by the merry environment the end of the year brings, the staff at the Treatment Unit of the[…]

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[…]

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[…]

It was a usual morning for the early-risers at the Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC), but the mood changed all of a sudden when a surprise visitor arrived to see the Sloth bears! Indian actress Abhignya Vuthaluru, who hails from the Telugu entertainment industry, decided to pay a visit to BBRC to not only gain but also spread awareness about […]

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[…]

Our environment faces a grim future owing to various anthropogenic factors. Wildlife conservation, therefore, highly depends on awareness campaigns and financial aid. Wildlife conservation organisations often struggle to find sources to fund and sustain their conservation efforts. While the implementation of conservation initiatives relies on[…]

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

Arthritis is a fairly common and well-known medical condition in humans — where one experiences inflammation in the joints. However, if you thought arthritis was only a problem in humans, you might need to think again. Research published by Wildlife SOS revealed that the condition is also prevalent amongst ‘dancing’ Sloth[…]

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,[…]

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[…]

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[…]

There is never a dull moment at Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC), given the colourful personalities of the rescued bears along with the presence of vibrant animals from the Bannerghatta National Park. From boisterous bears like Maahi to naughty ones like Mithali and playful ones like Odum - their dispositions never fail to surprise us![…]

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[…]

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 […]

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[…]

India is home to the world’s four bear species - the Himalayan Brown Bear, Asiatic Black Bear, Sun Bear, and the more commonly found, Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus). Dispersed in patches throughout the mainland, sloth bears occupy a wide range of habitats like grasslands, scrublands, dry, and moist tropical forests. The species is distinguished[…]

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[…]

 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[…]

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[…]

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[…]

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, […]

Year of Rescue: 2009  Age at the time of Rescue: 9 years old  Sex: Male  Personality Traits: Mischievous and playful Recognizable Features: He is one of the smallest bears at Wildlife SOS  Physical condition and ongoing health challenges: Suffering from stunted growth and he walked with an abnormal[…]

Rescuing elephants captured in the tourism and entertainment industry forms an integral part of the work Wildlife SOS does as an organization. Once rescued,  our elephants are given high-quality medical care to recover from the years of abuse inflicted on their bodies.  An integral and fascinating aspect of providing elephants with the[…]

It was a festive occasion at Wildlife SOS since Bobby, a sloth bear residing at the Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC), became the first ever bear in India to receive injectable medication through positive reward-based training. Bobby, one of our resident sloth bears at BBRC became the first bear at Wildlife SOS to receive injectable[…]

Year of arrival: 2021 Age at the time of arrival: Approximately 30 years Sex: Female Personality traits: The elephant is reluctant to move and when it does, she does so with an altered gait. Recognisable features: Being termed as India’s skinniest elephant, Lakshmi is extremely emaciated and thin, making […]

While Northern India is slowly feeling the drop in temperatures and longing for warmer weather, the mood at the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in Mathura is quite the opposite. For our resident elephants winters is a time for warm oil massages, sun-bathing, long walks and mud baths, and Asha is no different! She enjoys going on her daily[…]

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[…]

What do Coconut, Laxmi, Ramu and Zara share in common? Apart from the fact that they’re all rescued from traumatic conditions, they are all highly mischievous and the youngest residents of the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre. Learn all about how we care for the young elephants. [Photo (c) Wildlife SOS/Mradul[…]

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

As one of our oldest and most experienced caregivers, Munna, gently calls out to Maya asking her to wait while he catches up and she immediately pauses in the middle of her step and lifts her trunk. Munna digs into his pockets and grabs a handful of peanuts to reward Maya for her cooperation and laughs to himself as they continue their walks[…]

Asian elephants differ physiologically from their African counterparts, primarily in the shape of their ears, their build, their height and even their temperament. Rajesh is one of the rescued tuskers who resides at ECCC. [Photo (c) Wildlife SOS/Mradul Pathak] Some of the common differences between the two species are enlisted[…]

For a newly rescued elephant, the initial months of adapting to a new environment are a difficult transition period. At Wildlife SOS, we prioritise the comfort and care of these elephants by allowing them the time they need to grow accustomed to this new life. Emma took her time to grow accustomed to the care and treatment we provided her[…]

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[…]

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[…]

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[…]

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[…]

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[…]

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 […]

With his curious eyes anxiously darting across the field, Bean was shy and reclusive when he first arrived at the Wildlife SOS Agra Bear Rescue Facility. Bean spent the initial few days under severe stress and he would aggressively bob his head for hours at a stretch— a sign of stereotypic behaviour. It broke our hearts to see him under so much […]

The Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre echoes with the sounds of sloth bears shuffling over to the feeding dens for breakfast every morning. Joining the rest of the bears is our dynamic duo Meenakshi and Savita who can be seen pacing up and down their enclosure, waiting for their caregiver to arrive with bowls of delicious porridge mixed with honey[…]

World Sparrow Day is an annual celebration of the ubiquitous House Sparrow. This day is designated to raise awareness about this bird and the threats to their populations – it is observed annually on 20th March. The need for conserving this species stems from the fact that sparrows act as pest control and are extremely important in helping[…]

In 2019, the Karnataka Forest Department received information about a male sloth bear trapped in a deadly snare, outside a village in Bellary district. The bear’s left hind leg was ensnared in the crude hunting device. The snare’s grip tightened around the bear as it struggled to free itself, causing severe damage to the leg. Vaseekaran[…]

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

A decade seems to have flown by a little too fast as we celebrate another elephant’s brave healing journey. These ten years not only signify the conclusion of cruelty and neglect for these gentle giants but also celebrate the establishment of the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre. In these ten years, we have given over 30[…]

If you ever had the chance to visit the Wildlife SOS Agra Bear Rescue Facility, you most certainly would have passed by Gail’s enclosure. Invariably, Gail would be spotted doing the one that she loved the most - taking long, relaxed naps. She loved digging mud pits and comfortably perching herself in them, carefully assessing her surroundings[…]

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

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[…]

A huge thank you from Wildlife SOS for all your Giving Tuesday 2020 support! We shared some striking "then and now" videos and images that really demonstrate the impact we've all made in these beautiful animals' lives. If you missed them on our Facebook and Instagram pages, you can see them here. If you would like to support Wildlife SOS[…]

As  dawn breaks over the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre, Ramu, our majestic tusker, prepares himself for a day filled with fun activities such as dismantling enrichments in his enclosure and taking ample dust baths. At the tender age of 20 years, Ramu is the youngest bull elephant under our care and holds a special place in[…]

Bhola's past was riddled with pain, abuse and neglect which severely traumatized him for years. To add to his woes, Bhola’s owner kept him tethered by his tail, leaving him with a seriously infected tail injury and an insurmountable amount of pain that he underwent for ages.  On a fateful night, Bhola’s owners were illegally[…]

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[…]

Sloth bears spend much of their lives forging and rooting around the landscape of their native jungles looking for hidden treats to fill their bellies. And while they are a true bear (Order Carnivora) they very seldom eat meat. We bring to you the delicious food enjoyed by wild sloth bears and rescued sloth bears! [Photo (C) Wildlife[…]