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 of the organisation was straightforward: to assist wildlife in need and extend the fundamental principles of freedom and dignity, traditionally applied to humans, to the animal kingdom as well.
Our endeavours created a resounding relief to several wild animals that were caught in situations of distress. To provide rescued animals with long-term care, Wildlife SOS today runs 12 rehabilitation centres across India. Wildlife SOS has been acknowledged and lauded for their unflinching commitment towards wildlife conservation.
As we commemorate the powerful premise on which this organisation was founded, we also take the opportunity to recognise our diligent teams working actively to champion the mission of Wildlife SOS. From caregivers to managers, from veterinarians to our photographers, our dream teams are taking mighty strides together to safeguard the welfare of animal life, and we salute their efforts this Thanksgiving Day!
Behind Every Success Story Is …
The Caregiving Team
As the name of this team suggests, they are indeed the givers who provide unconditional care to animals with kindness and sensitivity. In a world that often ranks personal achievements, caregivers at our centres stand out for their dedication in making a difference in the lives of animals rescued from cruelty. Caregivers of bears, leopards and elephants cater to the individual needs of animals under their care. Bear caregivers wake up to make delicious porridge for the ursines, while elephant caregivers accompany pachyderms for their morning walks. All our caregivers spend the remaining day to meticulously clean the animal enclosures, assist the veterinarians with routine health exams, and prepare creative enrichments for animals to remain constantly engaged.
The Veterinary Team
Following a Wildlife SOS veterinarian during their day is enough to prove how consumed they are with their daily tasks! From diagnosing and providing medical treatments to injured wild animals to conducting regular examinations on animals under long-term care, the Wildlife SOS veterinary team does commendable work. As a first for our country, Wildlife SOS has been running a hospital for elephants in Uttar Pradesh since 2018. Our skilled veterinary team has conducted practical sessions to demonstrate the usage of new-age equipment to veterinarians that visit us from different countries. Wildlife SOS veterinarians present at our bear centres use an array of medical apparatuses with expertise to test and treat erstwhile ‘dancing’ bears or ones with wounds from snare traps.
The Audio-visual Team
Be it torrential rain or thundering storms, freezing cold or scorching heat, our AV team is ready to shoot through every season! The team captures our organisation’s efforts, and helps us to convey the details of all rescues and treatments being conducted far and wide. Photography and filming of wildlife are not easy tasks ̦— they require hard work and a lot of patience. Waiting for hours silently in the bushes so as to not disturb the animal, climbing trees for a required angle that best showcases the animal’s spectacular traits, and committing to spend a number of days in the wild, the AV team makes sure to never disappoint wildlife enthusiasts!
The Rapid Response Unit
The backbone of all our rescue operations is the Rapid Response Unit, which comprises of compassionate and adept individuals who work round the clock to safeguard animals that are found in conflict situations. Wildlife SOS has 24×7 hotline numbers in four regions — Delhi, Agra, Vadodara and Jammu and Kashmir — that receive multiple calls regarding animals in distress each day. The rescue unit present in and around these locations is always geared up to carry out immediate rescues as soon as they are notified through these helplines. These teams have carried out challenging rescue operations of wild animals trapped in unlikely places within cityscapes, and brought them to safety. Once deemed fit, the animals are released back into the wild, thanks to the timely intervention of our Rapid Response Team!
Visitors and Volunteers
Volunteering not only offers vital help to animals in need, but also provides an enriching practical experience to the volunteer. Wildlife rescue centres serve as educational institutions for people to not only witness animal behaviour up close, but also to learn about the crisis these animals are currently facing. Wildlife SOS warmly welcomes people to visit our rescue and rehabilitation centres. In fact, several influential personalities have come forward as well to visit, volunteer and share our vision with their followers.
The Research Team
Wildlife research enables us to better understand the behavioural pattern and the different kinds of threats that animals are facing. The results are beneficial for authorities and organisations to identify problems and take appropriate steps in order to protect animals. Our team has conducted exceptional research on the understudied sloth bears and the Himalayan brown bears, and have made astonishing discoveries. The latest research by Wildlife SOS that is underway is in an attempt to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and secure the future of sloth bears in Karnataka. With the help of GPS collars, sloth bears are being tracked to understand their movements, population, home range, and distribution.
Our Supporters
The thoughtful consideration of people towards supporting wildlife conservation brings us a step closer to our mission. By choosing to invest in the well-being of animals, one reflects a concern to sustain our shared ecosystem.
Wildlife SOS extends its warm wishes to all of our team members and supporters. Your passion and determination are the true reasons behind the milestones we have achieved. Happy Thanksgiving!
