Wildlife SOS Organization Overview
Wildlife SOS is a leading wildlife conservation and animal welfare organization in India, dedicated to protecting endangered species and mitigating human-wildlife conflict.
Their mission is to conserve wildlife and its habitats, rescue and rehabilitate distressed animals, and create sustainable solutions to coexist harmoniously with wildlife.
Areas of Operation
Wildlife SOS operates across 13 states in India, including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, West Bengal, and Assam.
They work with a wide range of species, including elephants, leopards, tigers, bears, reptiles, birds, and primates.
History and Achievements, Wildlife sos
Wildlife SOS was founded in 1995 by Kartick Satyanarayan and Geeta Seshamani. Since then, they have rescued and rehabilitated over 35,000 animals.
- Established the country’s first dedicated Elephant Hospital in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.
- Launched the Rapid Response Rescue Unit to respond to wildlife emergencies 24/7.
- Created the Wildlife Crime Prevention Cell to combat illegal wildlife trade and poaching.
Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation: Wildlife Sos
Wildlife SOS operates a comprehensive wildlife rescue and rehabilitation program that aims to provide immediate medical care and long-term rehabilitation to injured, sick, or orphaned wild animals. The organization has established several wildlife rescue centers across India, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a team of experienced veterinarians and wildlife rehabilitators.
Upon receiving a distress call, Wildlife SOS’s rescue team promptly responds to the scene and safely retrieves the injured animal. The animal is then transported to the nearest rescue center, where it undergoes a thorough medical examination to assess its injuries or illness. The veterinary team provides immediate medical care, including wound cleaning, pain management, and administering necessary medications.
For animals requiring long-term rehabilitation, Wildlife SOS provides specialized care and support to facilitate their recovery and eventual reintroduction into the wild. The organization has established dedicated rehabilitation enclosures that mimic the animal’s natural habitat, allowing them to regain their physical strength and natural behaviors. The rehabilitation process involves gradual exposure to the outdoor environment, supervised feeding, and enrichment activities to stimulate their natural instincts.
Once the animals have fully recovered and are deemed fit for release, Wildlife SOS carefully selects a suitable release site based on factors such as habitat availability, prey abundance, and potential threats. The organization’s team monitors the released animals to ensure their successful reintegration into the wild and provides ongoing support if necessary.
Conservation and Advocacy
Wildlife SOS’s commitment to wildlife conservation extends beyond rescue and rehabilitation. The organization actively engages in habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and advocacy campaigns to ensure the long-term survival of wildlife.
Habitat Protection
- Wildlife SOS establishes and manages protected areas, such as wildlife sanctuaries and community-managed conservation areas, to provide safe havens for endangered species.
- The organization works with local communities to promote sustainable land-use practices that minimize habitat fragmentation and degradation.
Anti-Poaching Measures
- Wildlife SOS collaborates with law enforcement agencies and local communities to combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
- The organization employs a network of trained anti-poaching units that patrol protected areas and conduct investigations.
- Wildlife SOS also engages in public education campaigns to raise awareness about the devastating impact of poaching.
Advocacy and Policy Influence
Wildlife SOS actively advocates for wildlife conservation policies at the national and international levels.
- The organization engages with policymakers, scientists, and conservation organizations to promote evidence-based wildlife management practices.
- Wildlife SOS has successfully influenced policy changes, such as the ban on the illegal wildlife trade in India.
Successful Conservation Campaigns
- Project Lion: Wildlife SOS played a crucial role in the conservation of Asiatic lions in Gujarat, India, through habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and community engagement.
- Project Elephant: The organization works to mitigate human-elephant conflict in southern India, promoting coexistence and elephant conservation.