At Wildlife SOS, our mission has always been to bridge the gap between awareness and empathy, to help people understand the challenges of wildlife conservation and ignite compassion for the animals we work tirelessly to protect. With that spirit, the first-ever Elephant Care Masterclass was held from October 6 to 15, 2025, bringing together 14 volunteers from across the world for a transformative learning experience in India. This inaugural batch didn’t visit Wildlife SOS rescue and rehabilitation centres just to observe, they came to understand why we do what we do.
Day 1: Beginning at the Heart of India
The week-long journey began in New Delhi, the vibrant capital of India. Volunteers made a visit to Friendicoes SECA, Wildlife SOS’s sister organisation that has been rescuing, treating, and rehabilitating Delhi’s street animals for over 50 years. One of the city’s oldest and most trusted animal welfare institutions, Friendicoes continues to serve thousands of animals each year, offering them medical care and a second chance at life.
Led by Mr. Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO, Wildlife SOS, and Ms. Amanda Seth, President – Friendicoes SECA, the group was guided through the equine section, where they joyfully fed carrots and cucumbers to the horses and donkeys. The visit continued to where cows were sheltered and dogs were given space, till they entered the ‘Cat Mahal’, an area lovingly named for the rescued cats. The group learned about the facility’s day-to-day work and saw the dedication of caregivers first-hand.
The morning gave way to a heartwarming lunch, where everybody shared thoughtful reflections over the meal.
That evening, Mr. Kartick Satyanarayan hosted an engaging presentation introducing Wildlife SOS, its history, and its mission. Guests exchanged stories and insights, a fitting end to a day that marked the beginning of an unforgettable journey.
Day 2: A Warm Welcome at ECCC
The group departed from Delhi for Mathura, home to the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC). The scenic road trip culminated in a delectable lunch at the centre, the phenomenal factor being that the visiting members could look at the elephants basking in the sun from the spot where it was set up.
After the meal, a session on introduction to Asian elephants and the complex challenges surrounding their conservation was held. The session set the tone for the coming days that would be filled with knowledge of these gentle giants that the visitors had arrived to understand better.
Day 3: Exploring the Wonders of Agra
In the early hours of the third day, the guests set out to witness one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal, in all its glory. Bathed in the soft hues of dawn, the marble monument stood as a vision of grace, timeless and breathtaking. Standing before the monument, they listened in quiet admiration of the story of love depicted through craftsmanship, that has made the Taj eternal.
The exquisite sight was then followed by breakfast at a cafe run by survivors of acid attack, where stories of courage and healing unfolded. What began as a morning of admiration became a moment of reflection, a reminder that resilience lies in the spirit to rise and rebuild, shared by all who fight for life.
The day continued with visiting the local artisan markets, where the guests explored intricate marble inlay work and handcrafted textiles made by the indigenous artisans of Agra who reflected India’s creative soul. The group then made their way to the Agra Fort, mesmerised as they moved through the layers of history that unfolded around them.
Day 4: Lessons in Compassion
The day began with the guests heading to ECCC when an unexpected traffic jam on the short route gave the guests a glimpse into the rhythms of local life. At the centre, our visitors were welcomed by elephants Maya, Phoolkali, and Emma, who were enjoying their morning baths — a sight that immediately brought in cheerful reactions from the group! A guided tour of the facility included stories of the rescued elephants’ past, through which the attendees learned about the trauma each had endured and the care that now defines their lives.
During their heartfelt conversations about the gentle giants, a peacock was seen wandering close, which made for yet another mesmerising moment, revealing India’s breathtaking wildlife.
The day also included a demonstration on the attentive foot care given to elephants. The group observed how elephants cooperated during this procedure that is backed by operant conditioning and positive reinforcements. The active response of presenting their feet for treatment helped guests understand how such routine medical practices for elephants are carried out safely and compassionately.
Day 5: A Day at the Elephant Hospital
The guests visited the Elephant Hospital Campus (EHC) in Mathura, India’s first elephant hospital that houses state-of-the-art equipment for treatments and routine examinations. To better understand an elephant’s size and weight, the guests were prompted to step onto the elephant weighing scale together, and the number reflected was far less than what a single elephant can weigh!
The Wall of Dreams at the EHC is a dedicated space that celebrates and honours all our supporters. It holds the names of individuals and organisations who have stood by our cause, recognising their year-round commitment to helping us provide care, protection, and a better future for India’s elephants. This wall is a heartfelt tribute to their continued support and a reminder of the collective effort that makes our work possible.
The highlight, however, was meeting baby Bani, the spirited young elephant. Bani was rescued after a train accident that left her partially paralysed, but watching the infant elephant stand and joyfully extend her trunk to grab hold of sugarcane stalks from enrichments installed stunned our visitors!
The participants were also introduced to India’s first elephant ambulance that has been designed to ensure the comfort and safety of rescued elephants in transit, learning how emergency rescues unfold on field.
The day also included knowledge-oriented sessions, focusing on musculoskeletal issues, hydrotherapy, and rehabilitation. The visiting group was given a firsthand insight into medical tools present for thermal imaging, X-ray, and laser therapy, which are helping rescued elephants heal from conditions they endure under neglected captivity.
Day 6: World Sloth Bear Day at ABRF
October 12 marks World Sloth Bear Day, and there is no better place to celebrate it than the Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF), located in the midst of the scenic Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary. Guests toured the lush green sanctuary, learning about the end of the ‘dancing’ bear practice while witnessing the rescued sloth bears who now live safely under our care. An eye-opening experience was watching gentle Gambir undergo a health check-up, during which time the sloth bear remained calm and cooperative, melting hearts across the group.
Soon after, the guests enjoyed a scenic boat ride on the Yamuna River, spotting birds and turtles along the shore before arriving for a special celebration, a sloth bear cake-decorating competition! Two teams crafted elaborate fruit cakes adorned with watermelon, apples, peanuts, and dates, treats that the bears devoured with uncontainable joy.
Day 7: Crafting Joy, One Enrichment at a Time
The visiting team was back to ECCC for another day with the elephants, but this time, it was back with a purpose! As eager volunteers, the group focused on creating enrichments that would keep the elephants both physically busy and mentally motivated. They also came forward to chop fresh fruits and sugarcane stems to be served to them, and even engaged in target training sessions with caregivers.
By evening, everyone was covered in dust, but their smiles were a true testament to the joy they felt in giving joy to the gigantic beings!
Day 8: Into the Wild: Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary
The next day brought a change of scenery with a trip to the Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. In a spontaneous act of kindness, one of our guests rescued a tiny gecko from a water-filled basin, a profound gesture that repeated how compassion towards fellow species truly matters.
The sanctuary, explored on eco-friendly e-rickshaws, offered close encounters with migratory birds, sleeping bats, and the sounds of untouched wilderness.
The group then headed to the historical marvel of Bharatpur, Fatehpur Sikri, immersing themselves in its Mughal architecture.
Day 9: Reflections and Farewell
The final day of this poignant visit was spent back in Uttar Pradesh, at the elephant hospital, where our guests shared heartfelt testimonials about their memorable week and the friendships they forged. It was a journey that opened hearts, deepened knowledge and understanding of the care given to rescued animals, and built lifelong bonds with India’s wildlife. Our visiting group eagerly joined hands with us to become a part of our mission for conserving wildlife.
The visit to our centres came full circle when volunteers walked away as true ambassadors of conservation, each carrying forward the message of coexistence, compassion, and care that lies at the heart of Wildlife SOS.
If this journey has sparked your curiosity and inspired you to witness conservation in action, we invite you to take the next step. Explore our travel programmes and meet the rescued bears and elephants at our centres by visiting travel.wildlifesos.org
Feature Image: Vineet Singh/ Wildlife SOS
