Every hand extended to help is a bridge that connects a goal. Wildlife SOS strongly believes that protecting wildlife isn’t what an organisation can do alone, this requires innumerable hands of support and collaborations. And to gain this, we promote open dialogue, shared expertise, and a willingness to learn from each other.
Over the past few months, our team has been privileged to collaborate with various institutions across the country where experiences were shared on how to protect animals’ lives. Let’s take you through these visits and discussions that were based on the promising spirit of cooperation.
Bringing Behavioural Enrichment to Life in Raipur
We began the year on an encouraging note when Wildlife SOS biologist Srinu Srikanta Maharana, conducted a three-day, hands-on enrichment training programme at Nandanvan Jungle Safari and Zoo in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The sessions began on January 16, 2025 at the request of the zoo director, focusing on equipping zookeepers with the skills to create and implement species-specific enrichment for a diverse range of animals.
For Srinu, a passionate advocate for animal welfare who firmly believes that every animal deserves a life worth living, this visit marked a meaningful step forward.
The programme began with a comprehensive assessment of the zoo, including animal behaviours, enclosure design, and previous enrichment efforts. Upon observing stereotypic behaviours such as pacing, along with some displaying lethargy, we started working on practical enrichment strategies that were rolled out for sloth bears and Asiatic black bears. High feeders were introduced to encourage their climbing, while rolling barrel feeders were installed to promote dexterity, and rotatable bamboo feeders were set up to refine their problem-solving abilities.
The next day, our attention shifted to focus on big cats. Leopards and tigers were given blood popsicles as enrichments to keep them cool during the hot weather while also encouraging their natural foraging instincts. Olfactory trails were made from various scents and inspired exploratory behaviour and cognitive engagement. On the third and final day, Srinu’s attention was focussed on herbivores, which included spotted deer and blackbuck, as well as the often-overlooked python exhibits. Feeding patterns were adjusted, and suitable changes in enclosures were made to keep these animals physically and mentally active.
The programme concluded with a well-attended presentation on “The Need for Animal Enrichment in Captivity” delivered to over 50 attendees including senior zoo staff, interns, forest guards, and biologists. The session became even more spirited when various veterinarian students also participated in constructing enrichments, which gave them invaluable field experience. Immediate behavioural shifts — such as previously reclusive bears becoming lively and visible — validated the approach taken. We’re honoured that our methodologies have been accepted by both the animals and their keepers in the zoo!
Gorakhpur Zoo Workshop
On March 11 came another stimulating capacity-building initiative organised by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) and Gorakhpur Zoo, Uttar Pradesh. Wildlife SOS’s aim was clear: equip zookeepers with practical, science-backed methods to improve animal welfare, particularly for sloth bears, leopards, and elephants.
Over three days, sessions were conducted on animal identification, enrichment strategies, and positive conditioning. Morning presentations set the theoretical groundwork, followed by practical demonstrations within the enclosures in the afternoons. From Wildlife SOS, Trainer and Enrichment Officer Swaminath Chaurasia led target training sessions for sloth bears and a Himalayan bear, while Veterinary Officer Dr. E. Gochalan and Arif, one of our experienced caregivers, facilitated hands-on learning for elephant zookeepers.
One notable participant was Ganga Prasad, a makhna elephant, whose transition into a new enclosure provided an excellent case study on environmental adaptation. Discussion also spanned across other species, from ungulates to big cats, with Dr. Yogesh and Dr. Ravi from Gorakhpur Zoo sharing their expertise. Along with this, we were joined by zookeepers from across India including Delhi, Nainital, and Himachal Pradesh, who actively engaged with the sessions. Their curiosity and willingness to learn made the workshop a truly collaborative affair. Suggestions to implement enrichment devices similar to those used at our centres in Mathura were met with enthusiasm.
This workshop reminded us that it’s the dedication of caregivers that drives progress for animals that reside under human care. With knowledge, tools and a commitment towards responsibilities, every legally captive animal can receive the care, enrichments, and respect it deserves.
The Case of Mala, In Patna Zoo
On April 13, 2025, Wildlife SOS was called upon by Patna Zoo in Bihar to assess and treat Mala, a 60-year-old female elephant suffering from a persistent abscess near her toenails. Despite previous treatments, the wound had become chronic, raising concerns for her long-term wellbeing. Upon hearing about the situation, our expert veterinarian Dr E. Gochalan decided to travel to Patna to provide medical assistance to Maya as a part of out outreach programme.
Upon the arrival of our team, the zoo director and veterinary staff elaborated on Mala’s health. Mala was found in a highly stressed state. Her enclosure — featuring concrete flooring covered with loose rubber mats proved unsuitable for an elephant of her age and condition. X-rays and thermal imaging revealed complications, and the report of an Antibiotic Sensitivity Test (APST) that had been conducted guided the team’s next steps. An intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy was commenced soon after, accompanied by wound cleaning and dressing.
In addition to her treatment, the team also offered long-term care recommendations, such as relocating Mala to a grassy area for better healing and avoiding concrete tethering post-treatment. They also demonstrated the making of enrichments like hanging fodder to stimulate Mala’s natural instincts and movement.
During their stay there, our team examined the condition of another female elephant called Lakshmi, approximately 17-18 years old, who was recovering from an old gunshot wound. Thankfully, her wound had already healed and she was in a safe and sound condition. We were given an opportunity to examine various other cases such as a lion healing from abdominal surgery, a wild bison with a dermatological issue, and a sloth bear recovering from seizures. The exchange of knowledge between our team and the Patna Zoo staff underscored the value of collaboration.
Supporting Shankar at Delhi Zoo
The case of Shankar, the lone African elephant at Delhi Zoo, has drawn considerable attention over the years. Concerns about his emotional and physical health led to previous interventions by many wildlife organisations. However, during our recent visit requested by Delhi Zoo on April 4, 2025, it became clear that further refinements were needed.
For this visit, Dr. Ilayaraja Selvaraj, Wildlife SOS’s Deputy Director of Veterinary services, arrived and observed that the Elephant Restraining Device’s (ERD) design was not suitable for the African elephant. An ERD is a specially designed metal enclosure in the shape of a quadrilateral, used to safely carry out medical examinations and treatments for elephants. Built with strong metal bars and fencing, with thoughtfully spaced gaps, the ERD allows veterinarians to access different parts of the elephant’s body without causing the animal to feel stressed. It ensures the safety of both the elephant and the veterinary team during procedures.
Shankar’s ERD had gaps wide enough to easily allow his long trunk to reach handlers, creating a safety risk. The bar was also too high for him to comfortably keep his foot for examination. We recommended redesigning the ERD by narrowing the gaps and introducing a PC (protective contact) wall. This would not only facilitate safer foot care, but also assign a specific place for his treatment and examination, building a stress-free routine during medical procedures.
While his foot health was found to be generally good, Dr. Ilyaraja advised that cemented enclosures need to be avoided for long durations. Instead, elephants like Shankar should have access to mud beds that allow for natural resting postures and reduce limb strain. Our team emphasised the value of positive conditioning — using rewards and routine to reduce aggression and build trust. A longer target stick was also suggested to accommodate Shankar’s physical attributes during training and treatment.
Our resolute journey so far has strengthened our motivation to continue our work and efforts to protect our planet’s voiceless cohabitants through outreach programmes. As we venture into this year, our aim to make an even greater impact on wildlife conservation stands strong! If you wish to support our cause, please consider making a donation!
If you are interested in having us conduct awareness or training sessions led by our team of professionals, do write to us at info@wildlifesos.org
Feature image: Atharva Panchare/ Wildlife SOS
