Wildlife SOS

***To report an animal in need of assistance in the below locations, please call the following Wildlife SOS locations: 

Elephant Helpline: +91-997-169-9727 

Delhi NCT: +91-987-196-3535

Srinagar, J&K: +91-700-669-2300 or +91-941-977-8280

Agra, UP: +91-991-710-9666

Vadodara, Gujarat: +91-982-501-1117

Wildlife SOS rescues, rehabilitates, and provides medical care to abused elephants, sloth bears, and leopards, reintroducing them to the wild at the right time. They run 12 rescue centers all over India. They also operate an elephant hospital and a dedicated elephant ambulance.

Wildlife SOS works on habitat restoration and conservation to ensure the survival of wild populations of star tortoises, pangolins, and other animals. They also work on creating awareness about promoting the humane treatment of animals.

How to Visit Wildlife SOS

Their rescue centers are open to visitors who wish to learn more about India’s wildlife and their efforts in the field of wildlife rehabilitation and conservation. Please contact Wildlife SOS at visit@wildlifesos.org and their program coordinator will assist in making all the necessary arrangements.

* Agra Bear Rescue Facility, Agra: +91 96900 09792
* Elephant Conservation and Care Centre, Mathura: +91 96900 09792
* Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre, Bangalore: +91 72590 39944

Wildlife SOS History

What we know today as an internationally recognized rescue center started in a garage in New Delhi in 1995. A group of friends who felt passionately about conserving India’s natural heritage started this as a small rescue center for wildlife in distress.

It was Kartick Satyanarayan and Geeta Seshamani’s strong resolve and passion that led to the birth of Wildlife SOS. Over the years, it has continued to thrive and evolve under their tireless and diligent effort.

Their work also attracted wildlife welfare enthusiasts from all over the world. As members allied for the fight against cruelty, they extended to the US in 2005 and the UK in 2009.

While their work for the Dancing Bears of India is their most recognized effort, they have also worked extensively to help elephants, leopards, reptiles, and many other animals. Apart from saving wildlife, Wildlife SOS also strives toward environment and biodiversity conservation and reducing carbon footprint. 

Want to learn more about elephants? Check out my Top 39 Amazing Elephant Facts blog!

Wildlife SOS Mission

They work towards habitat protection to enable humans and wildlife to coexist while ensuring the welfare of both parties. Today, the small rescue has come a long way and made lasting efforts toward the protection and conservation of India’s forests, biodiversity, and natural heritage. 

They actively work to protect wildlife, study biodiversity, conserve habitats, create livelihoods for communities dependent on wildlife for sustenance, and conduct research to study endangered species and address human-wildlife conflicts. Watch the Elephants enjoy a jumbo pool party here  

How Wildlife SOS Saves Wildlife

Wildlife SOS has a comprehensive approach to saving India’s wildlife. Their approach can be classified into three broad steps—conservation, welfare, and research. 

Want to learn more about bears? Check out my Top 15 Amazing Bear Facts blog!

1. Conservation

The ever-increasing human population has not only burdened the environment but also put a strain on wildlife resulting from the intrusion of humans into wildlife reserves. Wildlife SOS acts to make sure that there is always a place for wildlife to flourish.

They also advocate for freeing wildlife into their natural habitat, battling against illegal poaching and animal trade. Also, they support communities most affected by the human-wildlife conflict.

2. Welfare

They work tirelessly to protect the animals who have suffered from the malpractices of humans. The center also works on rescuing abused wildlife and advocates against animals being exploited in the name of entertainment.

Wildlife SOS works to provide a high-quality life to rescued animals who cannot be returned to their native habitat and provide them with the necessary medical care. They have skilled medical and rescue teams, India’s first Elephant Hospital, an elephant ambulance, 10 sanctuaries, and more. 

3. Research

Wildlife SOS realizes that to achieve long-term conservation and care, they must be thoroughly informed. To this end, they acquire data through drones and camera traps to study wildlife in its natural habitat.

They also conduct extensive research and study their rescued captive animals to understand the species’ sensitivities and risk of endangerment and work with partners from all over the world to protect and care for them. They also work with the local communities to resolve human-wildlife conflicts.

Some of their projects include:

– Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation

– Tribal Rehabilitation Program

– Elephant Conservation And Care

– Leopard Conservation

– Dancing Bear Project

– Human-Bear Conflict Mitigation

– Research And Conservation

– Training And Awareness

Watch the journey of an abandoned Leopard cub Simba here.

Wildlife SOS On Economic Disruption

Wildlife SOS aims to address the challenges faced by both humans and wildlife. They believe wildlife exploitation is often the direct result of a vicious cycle of poverty, tradition, and opportunity.

This is why providing an alternative means of livelihood to communities that depend on wildlife is crucial for making effective steps toward wildlife conservation. They work extensively to help with women’s empowerment, childhood education, and the Kalandar community.

Wildlife SOS Locations

Wildlife SOS has 12 rescue centers all over India, each dedicated to rescuing and protecting specific wildlife and educating the local communities. Learn more about the various rescue locations on their official website. 

CSR

Corporate Social Responsibility, or CSR, is a form of self-regulation for private businesses to contribute to ethical practices. Wildlife SOS invites philanthropists, activists, and corporate organizations from all over the world to take part in their life-changing work. 

Their corporate partners include LinkedIn, Google, Jeep, Reliance Foundation, and many more. Learn more about the missions undertaken by Wildlife SOS and their corporate partners.

Wildlife SOS Work

Wildlife SOS has worked extensively for the rescue and conservation of elephants, bears, leopards, reptiles, and more.

Elephants

Wildlife SOS cares for around 30 rescued elephants in different sanctuaries. They have saved these elephants from exploitation and abuse and provided them with treatment and care.

Wildlife SOS is the proud owners of India’s first elephant hospital and even has an elephant ambulance. They have a network of undercover staff and informants to alert them of potential animal exploitation cases.

Your support in raising awareness about India’s elephants is crucial. Wildlife SOS had a big year in 2023. They did a lot of good things but also had sad moments. Through proactive outreach programs, three new members were added to the Wildlife SOS family, Rama, Taj, and Tara. Unfortunately, they also had to say bye to a couple of their elderly elephants, Nina and Daisy.

Bears

Wildlife SOS is known worldwide for its work in eliminating the “dancing bear” trade in India. They also work for the betterment of brown bears, sloth bears, moon bears, and Asiatic black bears. 

Wildlife SOS runs 4 rescue centers to care for Sloth Bears that have been injured, involved in human-animal conflicts, or exploited as ‘dancing bears’. They provide lifetime care for bears that cannot be safely returned to the wild.

With six bear sanctuaries throughout India, they currently care for around 300 rescued bears. After providing them with the necessary medical care, they release the bears into their natural habitat. Wildlife SOS has anti-poaching teams actively patrolling wild areas to keep bears safe. Their rapid-response team brings first aid to bears that have been injured in poacher’s snares or other traps.

Wildlife SOS has extensively published scientific articles and has ongoing research projects to help inform public policy in conservation. They have programs to educate villagers living near bear habitats on how to safely avoid conflicts with bears.

Leopards

Poaching and habitat encroachment have put the leopard, which was once abundant in the Indian subcontinent, under growing threat. Wildlife SOS releases rescued leopards after treating them.

As for those animals who cannot be returned to the wild, they have a leopard sanctuary. The sanctuary cares for more than 30 leopards suffering from permanent and debilitating injuries.

Be A Part Of Wildlife SOS

Wildlife SOS invites you to work with them to help these voiceless beings. The smallest effort can help save many lives. Spread the word and ask your family and friends to join this wonderful mission.

By supporting Wildlife SOS, you can help ensure the survival of India’s unique wildlife for generations to come. You can do your bit by participating in any of the following methods.

Petition

You can stand against cruelty towards animals by signing petitions like: 

– Stop elephant skin trade

– Ban elephants from Indian roadways

– Protect wildlife from open wells

– Refuse to ride elephants

Education

Immerse yourself in the impactful realm of Wildlife SOS and contribute to their pivotal initiatives. Be a part of their awareness programs to educate society about the plight of wildlife and more.

Volunteer

Embarking on a volunteering journey with Wildlife SOS offers an extraordinary opportunity to closely engage with magnificent wildlife. Become a volunteer and experience the unique opportunity of working alongside majestic wildlife. I highly recommend taking a look at celebrity support at Wildlife SOS.

Donate

Make a donation. Your donation can make a difference in the lives of countless animals and you can help ensure the survival of India’s unique wildlife for generations to come.

Incredible Work of Wildlife SOS in the New Film “Saving Elephants”!

We are absolutely thrilled to share some exciting news with you! Ecoflix has just released a new film that beautifully showcases the remarkable efforts of Wildlife SOS. Titled “Saving Elephants,” this powerful film is directed by the award-winning filmmaker Peter Von Puttkamer.

“Saving Elephants” tells the compelling story of the tireless work undertaken by Wildlife SOS to protect wild elephant herds and rescue neglected captive elephants. It’s a portrayal of the challenges and triumphs faced by Wildlife SOS in their mission to safeguard these magnificent creatures.

Ecoflix has also created three other films that shed light on the incredible work of Wildlife SOS: “Saving the Dancing Bears,” “Leopard Rescue,” and “Leopard: Impossible Rescues.” Each film delves into different aspects of Wildlife SOS’s efforts to protect and rescue animals in need.

Here’s the best part: 100% of your subscription cost will directly contribute to supporting the life-saving initiatives of Wildlife SOS!

Where to Stay in Mathura

Visiting the Elephant Conservation & Care Center in Mathura is a meaningful way to connect with rescued elephants and support wildlife protection in India. Since the sanctuary is located about 20 km from central Mathura, most accommodations are in the city itself, giving you easy access to both the center and Mathura’s historic temples. Here are three solid lodging options across different styles and budgets:

Budget Accommodation – Hotel Ganpati Palace

Located in central Mathura, Hotel Ganpati Palace offers clean and simple rooms at an affordable price. It’s a convenient base for travelers who want easy access to both the sanctuary and Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple without stretching their budget.

Mid-Range Accommodation – Hotel Brijwasi Royal

A comfortable hotel with spacious rooms, on-site dining, and friendly service. About a 25-minute drive from the Elephant Conservation Center, it’s a great mid-range choice for travelers who want comfort and good amenities without going overboard.

Luxury Accommodation – Nidhivan Sarovar Portico

For those seeking a more luxurious stay, Nidhivan Sarovar Portico combines modern design with top-notch facilities. Featuring stylish rooms, fine dining, and premium services, it’s perfect for relaxing after a day with the elephants. Located about 30 minutes from the sanctuary.

Follow Wildlife SOS On Social Media 

Website: https://wildlifesos.org/

X: https://x.com/WildlifeSOS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildlifesosindia

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClDVWIdbYk0mCnL9nkRHSxw

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wildlife-sos

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlifesos/

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