WildlifeSOS

WildlifeSOS is one of the largest wildlife organisations in South Asia. Working primarily with Elephants and Sloth Bears, they rescue and care for orphaned, injured, and exploited animals at their facilities. Founded in 1995 by Kartick Satyanarayan and Geeta Seshamani, the organization focuses on protecting India’s wildlife heritage, conserving habitats, and raising awareness about human-wildlife coexistence.

Flaming Koala is a proud friend and supporter of Wildlife SOS. We have adopted an orphaned baby Elephant Bani in their care, and our contributions will help pay for the food, and medical care of our elephant friend.

 

Key Objectives and Areas of Work

Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation:

  • Wildlife SOS operates rescue and rehabilitation centers across India, providing medical care, shelter, and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned animals.
  • They specialize in rescuing animals like sloth bears, elephants, leopards, reptiles, and birds.

Anti-Poaching Efforts:

  • The organization works to combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade by conducting investigations and partnering with law enforcement agencies.
  • Wildlife SOS has played a crucial role in disrupting networks involved in trafficking animals or their body parts.

Conservation Initiatives:

  • Focuses on protecting endangered species and their habitats through reforestation projects and habitat restoration.
  • They work to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, particularly in areas near national parks and wildlife corridors.

Ending Exploitation of Captive Wildlife:

  • Wildlife SOS is internationally recognized for its efforts to rescue and rehabilitate “dancing bears,” a cruel practice where sloth bears were forced to perform for entertainment. They eradicated this practice in India by 2009.
  • They also rescue elephants subjected to abuse in circuses, temples, and tourism.

Education and Awareness:

  • The organization conducts educational programs in schools and communities to foster a culture of conservation.
  • Their outreach programs aim to teach the importance of biodiversity and ways to coexist with wildlife.

Veterinary Care and Research:

  • They operate advanced wildlife rescue centers, including the Elephant Conservation and Care Center in Mathura and the Agra Bear Rescue Facility, the world’s largest sloth bear rescue center.
  • They conduct research on wildlife behavior, veterinary care, and the impact of human activity on ecosystems.

     

    Wildlife SOS continues to be a trailblazer in wildlife protection and conservation, transforming the lives of countless animals and ensuring a safe and sustainable future for India’s diverse wildlife.