Save The Elephant Day is celebrated every year on April 16th with a mission to raise awareness about the different kinds of dangers elephants face, and is a way to encourage people to conserve these majestic, gentle giants. On this occasion this year, Wildlife SOS was graced by Adah Sharma, a critically acclaimed Indian actress. Her love for animals and the curiosity to learn more about them was evident when she visited the Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF) and Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC) in Agra, and the Elephant Hospital Campus (EHC) in Mathura. Let’s take a closer look at her experience over her three-day visit to the Wildlife SOS centres!
Adah Sharma’s first stop was ABRF, India’s largest sloth bear rescue centre that is present inside the Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary in Agra. Here, she had the opportunity to meet the Wildlife SOS staff, including our dedicated team of caregivers and veterinary experts who take care of our resident sloth bears. The tour began with our education officer sharing the history of the ‘Dancing’ Bear Project that was started by Wildlife SOS, and informed our guest about the parallel initiative launched to support its erstwhile practitioners, the Kalandar Rehabilitation Programme. After having learnt about their dismal past, Adah was led to observe the bears as they engaged with different activities. Our team shared interesting anecdotes about our rescued ursines that kept Adah engrossed and mesmerised.
The tour also included a boat ride on Yamuna river that passes through the bird sanctuary, during which Adah and our team indulged in spotting diverse avians. Animals such as spotted deers, peacocks, and nilgai were also sighted by the group. The visit to ABRF concluded with the screening of a documentary called The Last Dancing Bear which showcased the history of the unkind practice. This was followed by a lavish lunch spread that included vegetables directly sourced from our organic farm.
Soon after, Adah was introduced to our resident elephants at the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC) in Mathura. The actress was in awe of the pachyderms as she made her way through the centre! Our team apprised Adah of the unfortunate conditions from which the distressed elephants were finally saved. After hearing about their gloomy past, Adah was pleasantly surprised to see how the elephants under our care were displaying their quirky behaviour and joyful acts! These underline the confidence the elephants have in the safety and security of the centre. Our team also revealed some of the challenges as well as fun-filled moments they have encountered with the resident pachyderms. Adah also visited our elephant memorial, which made for an emotional yet memorable experience. She was joined by her friends and family, who stopped by the Wildlife SOS shop at ECCC, and appreciated the products made by the Kalandar women.
The next day began at ECCC once again, where Adah watched target training taking place for Laxmi, a resident elephant known for her fondness for food. Target training is a routine practice that enables our medical team to conduct elephant examinations or treatments smoothly. Kind gestures and delicious treats act as positive conditioning means that motivate the pachyderms to cooperate well.
This session was followed by a round of fruit chopping for one of our residents, Suzy! Adah volunteered to cut small pieces of watermelon for Suzy, who does not have molar teeth and therefore requires soft and mushy food. Adah was simultaneously informed about the daily care and routine activities for our elephants at the centre.
Adah and our team then headed to the Elephant Hospital Campus (EHC) in Mathura to get an inside view of India’s first elephant hospital. We introduced Adah to our professional veterinarians and staff at the hospital, who then introduced Adah to Ginger, our female resident elephant who was patiently undergoing her ongoing medical treatment. Adah was shown the state-of-the-art tools and equipment we have at EHC to conduct medical examinations of elephants.
Day two had more in store for our esteemed visitor — a highly exclusive and exceptional evening walk! Adah was joined by our resident elephants Maya, Phoolkali and Emma, and was delighted to stroll with the three along the Yamuna riverside. Adah lovingly spoke about her unique experience at the Wildlife SOS centres as well.
Leaving the Wildlife SOS centres with a renewed sense of love for these voiceless animals, Adah Sharma carries the memorable moments of this visit deep in her heart. She is absolutely determined to spread awareness about these animals and encourage people to take a stand for what is right.
American TV personality Bobby Berk at ECCC!
In another recent visit, Wildlife SOS also welcomed the famous American interior designer and TV personality, Bobby Berk along with his husband, Dewey Do to ECCC. The pair was travelling through India, and included a one-day visit to ECCC in their itinerary. As they walked through the elephant centre, they learned about the history of our rescued elephants, and also stopped by at the elephant memorial. Bobby and Dewey also observed the medical treatments given to our female resident elephants, Rhea and Mia, which included foot baths to heal the foot pad abscesses both of them are afflicted with. They also got the chance to watch a target training session for the bubbly elephant, Chanchal.
This was followed by a quick visit to the souvenir shop at the Wildlife SOS centre. Bobby was more than happy to talk about his one-of-a-kind experience at the Wildlife SOS centre.
We are truly grateful to have the opportunity to showcase our centres to those who wish to see the care given to bears and elephants rescued from distress. Their presence at the Wildlife SOS centres shines bright and reminds one of how raising a voice can make a difference to save the life of voiceless animals! If you also wish to visit or volunteer at the Wildlife SOS centres, please reach out to us at visit@wildlifesos.org!
