The Wildlife SOS Founders’ Trip is an extraordinary opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers to witness firsthand the care and dedication that goes into rehabilitating rescued animals. This year, from the 1st to the 10th of February, a group of 14 passionate individuals joined Wildlife SOS Co-founders Kartick Satyanarayan and Geeta Seshamani for an immersive nine-day journey through India’s cultural heritage and diverse wildlife landscapes.
A Warm Welcome in Delhi
The journey began in the heart of India, New Delhi, where the guests stayed at the prestigious Taj Palace hotel. A visit to Friendicoes SECA, the sister organisation of Wildlife SOS that rescues Delhi’s street animals, was made where they came across dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, sheep, cows, and bulls that were given medical care and shelter.
The following day, the group visited the serene Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, which offered a glimpse into Sikh culture and its tradition of community service.
The guests were captivated by the sight of the magnificent langar or the community kitchen that feeds over 35,000 people daily. The experience at the Bangla Sahib temple underscored the Sikh principles of seva (selfless service) and equality that left a lasting impact on the group.
The guests explored the bustling Old Delhi spice market next, immersing themselves in the rich aromas of India’s rich culinary heritage. They ventured into the narrow lanes of this historic marketplace, where stores dating back to the 18th century revealed a treasure trove of spices or masalas.
Day 2 also included a warm and welcoming dinner event, which began with a presentation by Wildlife SOS Co-founder Kartick Satyanarayan that highlighted the organisation’s focused work and achievements over the last three decades. During this interaction, our guests were introduced to all the various centres of Wildlife SOS.
Welcomed by Gentle Giants at ECCC
Day 3 began with the scenic road journey from Delhi to Uttar Pradesh, where the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC) and the Elephant Hospital Campus (EHC) are located. When the group arrived at ECCC in Agra, they were greeted by the gentle trumpets of Emma, Maya, and Phoolkali! This trio that shares a wonderful bond of sisterhood were undergoing a refreshing bath session and pedicure then. The visitors were mesmerised by the soft interactions between the elephants and their caregivers as they learnt about their individual rescue stories.
The group then embarked on a tour of the elephant centre, during which time they were introduced to the rescue stories of all the elephants, as well as their unique and endearing traits. They even got the chance to lend their hands in making enrichments for the pachyderms along with the caregivers!
Meeting Rescued Sloth Bears
A visit to the Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF) on day 4 gave our guests an opportunity to see sloth bears rescued from the ‘dancing’ bear practice and learn about their abusive past.
Here, the guests were particularly fascinated by Mowgli, one of the youngest sloth bears at the facility. Known for his mischievous personality, Mowgli shares a special bond with his calm companion Mandro. The visitors watched as playful Mowgli sneaked away with Mandro’s snacks, adding an amusing and memorable moment to the tour.
A Visit to the Elephant Hospital Campus
On day 5, the guests visited Wildlife SOS’s Elephant Hospital Campus (EHC) in Mathura, India’s first and only elephant hospital! They received a guided tour of the state-of-the-art medical facility that has tools and equipment used to treat rescued elephants.
A special and the most endearing moment during their time at EHC was observing baby Bani, the youngest elephant under our care. Bani, rescued after she was horrifically hit by a train, has completed a year at the hospital under attentive and affectionate care, and the group was informed about her ongoing treatments. While they were hearing her story, Bani could be seen picking up juicy sugarcane stalks when all of a sudden, she let out a mini trumpet! This little call was aimed at her caregiver to bring her more treats — and left our guests in complete awe of her!
The hospital tour ended with a serene tea-time by the banks of river Yamuna, as the sun cast golden hues over the water. The tranquil setting included the routine evening strolls taken by resident elephants. The rhythmic rustling of the trees and the soft trumpets of the elephants created an unforgettable ambiance that resonated the profound connection between nature, wildlife, and conservation.
Exploring Agra’s Iconic Landmark
A trip to Agra would not be complete without witnessing the remarkable Taj Mahal. The guests embarked on a guided tour of this architectural wonder on day 6, learning about its fascinating history and its beautiful and intricate craftsmanship.
Into the Wild at the Ranthambore National Park
After exploring Agra, the group set off to Ranthambore National Park on day 7, one of India’s most famous tiger reserves located in Rajasthan. Over the next two days, they embarked on three adventurous safaris, exploring different zones of the vast sanctuary.
The vast wilderness offered breathtaking encounters with wildlife that included spotted deer, sambar deer, nilgai, crocodiles, and various migratory birds.
Beyond the safaris, our esteemed guests immersed themselves in various cultural activities such as bangle-making and pottery. After high tea against the setting sun, another awe-inspiring experience took place when the clear sky offered the sight of stars and planets such as Saturn and Mars.
The Ranthambore trip concluded with a grand farewell dinner on day 9, for which our guests went ahead to wear beautiful Indian ethnic attire. The evening began with a vibrant Rajasthani folk dance and music performance, setting the stage for a lively celebration.
Co-founders Kartick Satyanaran and Geeta Seshamani ended the evening with a beautiful slideshow capturing the highlights and cherished moments from the trip, bringing everyone’s journey to a joyous and unforgettable close.
Join Us for Founders’ Trip 2026!
The Wildlife SOS Founders’ Trip is more than just a travel experience — it’s a deep dive into conservation, culture, and the wonders of India’s wildlife. If you’re passionate about being a part of this extraordinary journey, don’t miss the chance to join us for Founders’ Trip 2026!
