A remarkable day unfolded at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC) in Mathura as it played host to a distinguished guest whose passion for wildlife conservation knows no bounds. Sandra Alvarado, Miss World Ecuador 2024, graced the sanctuary with her presence, embarking on a journey to learn, support, and champion the cause of wildlife conservation in India.
Hailing from Santo Domingo, Sandra Alvarado’s journey to becoming Miss World Ecuador 2024 is marked by her unwavering dedication to making a difference in the world. A graduate in law and ambassador for ‘El Rincón del Futuro’, a community-run organisation that provides extra-curricular workshops for children, Sandra embodies the spirit of advocacy and empowerment.
Guided by Wildlife SOS experts, Sandra participated in informative sessions held at the ECCC, gaining crucial insights into the significant problems faced by Asian elephants in India. She became acquainted with Wildlife SOS’ ‘Refuse to Ride’ campaign, aimed at raising awareness about how elephants employed to give rides suffer from physical harm. During the tour, she also learned about the tools of torture like bullhooks and spiked chains that are used on elephants kept in brutal captive conditions. These elephants often suffer from malnutrition, lack of proper care, and are tethered to rusty, spiked chains, resulting in emaciation and foot problems.
While at the facility, Sandra also delved into the background of the rescued elephants, including that of Maya, a resident elephant who was saved from a circus in 2010. As a performing elephant, Maya was subjected to abuse and forced to perform unnatural acts like standing on her two legs under the threat of a stick. Reflecting on Maya’s story and the efforts of the NGO, Sandra expressed gratitude for providing these majestic animals with a second chance at life, liberated from abuse and cruelty.
The visit also included interactions with the dedicated team of elephant care experts and veterinarians, providing Sandra with a firsthand understanding of the challenges they meet with in the rehabilitation of rescued elephants, and how they overcome each sensitively. She was given a glimpse into the daily routine of the resident elephants, which includes their walks, target training sessions, enrichment activities, feeding, and bathing time. This routine is essential for ensuring their welfare, management, and long-term care.
She also had the opportunity to know about the medical needs of rescued elephants, with the NGO’s team informing her about the various treatment facilities available at the centre. Sandra was briefed on the prevalent issues among captive elephants in India, particularly footpad issues such as overgrown toenails, abscesses, and thinning footpads. She was apprised about Wildlife SOS’ approach to mitigating such conditions by providing a combination of ayurvedic and modern medicinal treatments.
Moved by the plight of these gentle giants, Sandra expressed her commitment to advocating for their welfare, urging her supporters to join the movement. “I call upon everyone to visit the centre and donate towards the cause,” she said in her heartfelt plea.
After her exposure to the elephants under Wildlife SOS care, Sandra expressed her interest in visiting the Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF), which is the world’s largest rescue and rehabilitation centre for sloth bears, and is currently housing nearly 100 of them. Here, our team took Sandra through the history of cruel ‘dancing’ bear trade in India, and how Wildlife SOS resolved the 400-year-old barbaric practice and gave these sloth bears a new life at the rehabilitation centre.
Sandra Alvarado, Miss World Ecuador 2024, culminated her visit by saying, “My visit to the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre and Agra Bear Rescue Facility was a profound experience. I urge everyone to help the organisation’s efforts to protect and conserve elephants. I believe their cause is very important, especially for people to understand the dark reality of elephants in India.”
Sandra Alvarado’s visit underscores the importance of using one’s influence to promote wildlife conservation. Her commitment to raising awareness about the plight of elephants and sloth bears serves as a reminder of the vital role that social leaders play in protecting vulnerable species. Sandra’s efforts have the potential to inspire others, particularly young people, to take action against wildlife exploitation and cruelty. It is crucial for influencers to become changemakers, and continue using their platforms to secure a better future for our planet’s wildlife.
You can support wildlife conservation efforts by signing the ‘Refuse To Ride’ petition or making a donation here.
