Have you ever wished to visit the Wildlife SOS centres where animals under our dedicated care have been residing since their rescue? Well, the Founders’ Trip by Wildlife SOS opens the door to an exclusive opportunity! Not only do you witness these animals up close and volunteer, you can do so along with Wildlife SOS Co-founders, Kartick Satyanarayan and Geeta Seshamani!
Founders’ Trip 2024 that took place from the 16th to the 24th of February accomplished the above goal and so much more, making our visitors experience incredible India like never before. Let us unravel what was in store during their visit!
Delhi And Its Diverse Culture!
Wildlife SOS welcomed nine guests for their nine-day Founders’ Trip this year in the country’s capital city, Delhi. To inaugurate the trip, an auspicious visit was made to the well-known temple, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. The visiting group were enamoured by the history, culture and tradition of Sikhism, and were also astounded to see the temple’s vast kitchen, from where food prepared for the langar is given to thousands of people who arrive to offer their prayers.
After the calming morning at the temple, our guests made their way to the exciting, busy streets of Old Delhi’s spice market! A guided tour of Lutyens’ Delhi apprised the group of Delhi’s multifaceted past. They were amazed to see the stark contrast between the landscape of New Delhi that was developed during colonial rule, and the architecture of Old Delhi that finds its roots in the Mughal Era. Rickshaw rides taken by our guests added to the thrill of exploring the bustling spice market of Chandni Chowk. Various spices that India is rich with and is famous for were introduced to them, and many even bought large quantities to carry back as culinary souvenirs!
Day 1 also included a warm and welcoming dinner event that began with a presentation by Wildlife SOS Co-founder Kartick Satyanarayan, about the organisation’s focussed work and achievements in the last three decades. A sense of anticipation to watch the animals under care had now taken over the group as they eagerly awaited their upcoming days at the Wildlife SOS centres!
First Glimpse of the Gentle Giants and the Sloth Bears!
The journey towards the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC), the Elephant Hospital Campus (EHC) and to the Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF) was filled with enthusiasm to see the gentle giants and sloth bears under our care.
Just as they entered the lush environs of ECCC, the guests were overwhelmed as they laid their eyes on our resident elephants in their fields. After a round of introductions with the staff at the centre, the visiting group was directed towards the observation deck, from where they could gaze at Emma, Maya and Phoolkali, the three steadfast companions, playing with their enrichments and splashing around water in their pools.
The itinerary for our guests at ECCC included a tour of the facility where they acquainted themselves with the elephants. During this time, they could observe how thesw gigantic animals would cheerfully interact with the various food-based, hanging enrichments that were suitably placed for them. This was followed by helping out the caregivers in creating such enrichments for the pachyderms, and chopping fruits and sugarcane for their healthy intake. The guests even got a chance to see target training that was being carried out with mischievous Laxmi. Target training is a significant element in the daily routine of elephants in order to conduct their safe and regular medical examinations. Each of Laxmi’s positive responses to cues, such as presenting her feet or flapping their ears, drew high admiration from the group.
At the Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF), guests were given a holistic tour of the centre, during which they could watch the rescued sloth bears and their unique behaviour. Sloth bears are an understudied species, which is why gaining awareness about them, at such close range, comes as a rare opportunity for wildlife lovers. The ABRF acts as a haven for several avians as well, and the visiting group were soon tuned in to the wonderful sounds and sights of birds around them!
Our team made sure that the group remained comfortable all through their stay and visits to our centres. The success of Founders’ Trip was evident when our endearing visitors commended the caregiving efforts taken to sustain the welfare of rescued elephants and bears, exclaiming that they would encourage their family and friends to visit our centres for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
A Walk Through India’s Wonder, and A Drive to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary!
A trip to Agra would remain incomplete if its breathtaking mausoleum is missed out! After an enriching time at the centres, the Wildlife SOS team arranged for a visit to one of the seven wonders of the world — The Taj Mahal. Our team along with the guests reached the Taj Mahal, where a tour on the history of this marvellous monument was conducted.
After relishing the best of Agra, a road journey led the group to the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Rajasthan, where exceptional sightings were made! A large number of bird species such as Indian spot-billed ducks, kingfishers, glossy ibises, Eurasian coots, bar-headed geese, black-headed ibises, purple herons, common teals, Eurasian collared doves, white-breasted waterhens and a juvenile bronze-winged jacana were spotted by the novel cohort of keen birdwatchers. They were delighted to see the diversity of birds that existed at this reserve, which surely added several points to their wildlife trip!
Ranthambore, Tigers and The Final Goodbye!
The last destination for Founders’ Trip 2024 was the Ranthambore National Park. Famous for its tigers, the Ranthambore National Park lies in the heart of Rajasthan, and is visited by tourists from all over the world. The Wildlife SOS team slotted sought-after safaris for our guests at this grand national park, so that their memories are replete with our country’s awe-inspiring environment!
Three exhilarating safaris — two morning safaris and one afternoon safari — provided amazing sightings of spotted deers, several avians, crocodiles, leopards and of course, tigers!
On the final evening of this trip, we hosted a farewell dinner at Ranthambore, where various cultural performances were showcased for our guests. A video, which highlighted some of the most memorable moments of this trip, was also played. The night ended with everyone talking about their most cherished experiences, which exceeded far from what they had expected!
Along with visits to our centres, this trip includes an exposure to India’s precious wildlife, and the commitment our team has made to protect it. If you are passionate about wildlife, and wish to gain a closer understanding of our work, sign up to be a part of Founders’ Trip 2025! We promise you an illuminating and unforgettable journey as you encounter our country’s remarkable wildlife. Book your trip now!
