Imagine landing in India with a mind packed with curiosity comparable to stuffed suitcases… and leaving with a heart completely overwhelmed by elephants, sloth bears, and stories you’ll get to share with your friends and family for years to come!
This year, from February 5 to 14, guests from across the world came together for the awaited Wildlife SOS’s Founders’ Trip 2026, taking a front-row seat to the dedication, grit, and compassion that continue to transform the lives of rescued animals every single day across India.
Over the nine unforgettable days, they visited our rescue centres, walked through historic sites and explored wild landscapes that inhabit the diverse flora and fauna of India. Joined by Wildlife SOS Co-founders Ms. Geeta Seshamani and Mr. Kartick Satyanarayan, this trip wasn’t simply a tourist itinerary, it was a deeply immersive, hands-on journey that brought guests face to face with powerful rescue stories, meaningful cultural experiences, and extraordinary wildlife encounters.
Day 1: A Warm (and Furry) Welcome in Delhi
The Founders’ Trip began on February 5 in New Delhi, with a visit to Friendicoes SECA, the sister organisation of Wildlife SOS that rescues Delhi’s domestic animals found in unfortunate conditions. It is here where dedicated care is given to dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, sheep, cattle — all given a second chance after facing distressful situations in the city.
Day 2: Exploring Delhi
Our well-rested guests were greeted by devotional chants in a calm atmosphere the next morning. Hymns of giving unfolded in the visit to the famous Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. Under its shimmering golden domes, guests witnessed the incredible spirit of seva (selfless service) in action at the daily langar, the community kitchen run solely by volunteers that serves over 35,000 meals daily. Moved by the generosity, the guests even stepped into the kitchen to be a part of this practice.
Transitioning from serenity to the streets guaranteeing a sensory overload, the group dove into the bustling lanes of Old Delhi’s historic spice market in the afternoon. Clouds of turmeric, the sharp scent of red chillies, and shops dating back to the 18th century lent a vibrant, aromatic flavour coming from North India’s culinary heart.
In the evening, guests gathered for a formal dinner that felt more like the perfect opportunity for an icebreaker between passionate and curious wildlife supporters and the people behind the rescues.
Wildlife SOS Co-founder and CEO, Mr. Kartick Satyanarayan, took everyone through the organisation’s focused efforts and experiences over the past 30 years. From rescue missions to specialised care centres across India, the session turned into one rich with conversations about field experiences about unexpected challenges and astonishing circumstances during rescues.
Day 3: Gentle Giants Say Hi at ECCC
A road trip from Delhi to Uttar Pradesh began in the morning, and with snacks in one hand and a camera in the other, our guests had one big question in mind: What does it really feel like to share the same space as a rescued elephant?
The answer came in quickly as soon as they reached the Elephant Conservation & Care Centre (ECCC) in Mathura.
Before the group had even stepped in, they had already heard the soft trumpets from Maya and Phoolkali. These calls stopped them in their tracks, and their curiosity was now being accompanied by wide smiles. Were the elephants calling to each other? Or were they greeting the guests?
Just when these questions began to echo among the group, they were met with a scene that instantly hushed the chatter.There they were — Maya and Phoolkali, along with silent Emma next to them. She was completely absorbed with her enrichment, and with remarkable skill, she drew bunches of barseem leaves from her rolling feeder, gently dipped them into the pool to soften them, and then lifted them up to her mouth. It was a thoughtful, almost methodical move. Watching her repeat the process, soak, lift, savour, left the guests quiet. Conversations faded, and cameras lowered. In that stillness, they simply stood and embraced the unbelievable calmness of an Asian elephant, the largest land mammal of India. Her quiet rhythm of making the fodder soft and edible smoothly conveyed why elephants are also known as gentle giants.
With each introduction, the visiting group was discovering the physical trauma experienced by elephants in neglected captivity, which also led to mental stress in these highly cognitive species. Along with medical care for their visible injuries, importance is also placed on the psychological well-being of pachyderms at our centres.
After silent moments that joined moving tales came the most fascinating part of the day. Our visitors were keen to become volunteers! They rolled up their sleeves to help create enrichments for elephants alongside the caregivers. Inspired by the resilience of elephants and the consistency in our efforts to care for them, they were willing to refill feeders and prepare treats to delight the pachyderms. While doing so, they were enamored by the fascinating designs of enrichments that are strategically created to keep the elephants mentally stimulated and physically active, which also encourage them to revive their natural behaviours.
Day 4: A Closer Look at Sloth Bear Rehabilitation
A liveliness was evident in the atmosphere on Day 4 when our visitors arrived at the Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF). Here, the guests met with a bear species that is not only known for its heavy fur coat, but also for their exceptionally unique long, curved claws. These sloth bears were rescued as ‘dancing’ bears, a practice that lasted for nearly 500 years.
Guests were given fascinating insights such as sloth bears are a myrmecophagous species. This is why they have perfectly curved long claws that help them to dig the ground, and an incredible vacuum-like muzzle that can slurp them in.
The experience took a tranquil turn with a scenic boat ride along the Yamuna river, and suddenly, everyone was scanning the riverbanks. Which bird just took flight? Is that a turtle basking in the winter sun?
After the scenic boat ride, the guests resumed their tour of the bear facility, during which a delightful surprise awaited them. Large cakes crafted entirely from the bears’ favourite treats were kept ready for the guests to add the final touches. The bears presented with these cakes wasted no time devouring their special feast within minutes, accompanied by cheers from the guest sous chefs!
By the end of Day 4, an excitement brewing among the guests was impossible to miss. They already knew very well what the next day held!
Day 5: An Awaited Visit to the Elephant Hospital Campus
The cheerfulness kept its momentum on the way to the elephant hospital the next morning. The group was given a guided tour of the large treatment areas, learning how specialised equipment, diagnostics, and daily medical protocols are exclusively available for every elephant.
After the hospital tour, we finally figured out what the anticipation was all about. It was to finally see baby Bani in her enclosure!
The moment Bani spotted the guests approaching, she let out a tiny trumpet — perhaps she was just as jolly to see them as they were to see her! Her caregiver, Vijay, filled all her enrichments with her favourite treats, and the guests sat in awe, captivated by Bani’s every move. As she munched away happily, her doctor walked the guests through her medical history, ongoing treatments, and the affectionate care that has helped her recover over the past year.
The hospital tour wrapped up with high-tea by the banks of the Yamuna, the golden sun casting its glow over the river as it slowly set. As guests sipped their tea, resident elephants came out on the banks for their evening strolls, trunks swaying and ears flapping.
Day 6: A Day among Agra’s Wonders
After witnessing the wonderful animals at the centres, our guests were all set to visit one of the seven Wonders of the World. A trip to Agra would not be complete without witnessing the extraordinary Taj Mahal.
Preceding this tour was one made to the majestic Agra Fort. Guests wandered through its corridors and halls, catching glimpses of centuries-old history and marveling at the architecture that has stood the test of time.
Day 7, 8 & 9: Into the Wild at the Ranthambore National Park
“Do you think we’ll actually see a tiger?” The question kept buzzing among the group as they left behind city streets and ventured into the wilderness of Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan. Over the next two days, every safari was a mix of thrill, anticipation and discovery, with guests scanning the forest to spot spotted deer, nilgai, crocodiles, and, of course, the park’s elusive big cats.
The Ranthambore adventure wrapped up with a grand farewell dinner on Day 9. Guests dressed themselves in Indian ethnic attire and were treated to a lively celebration, featuring the mesmerizing Kalbeliya, a traditional Rajasthani folk dance, which was performed with captivating Sufi music.
But the surprises didn’t end there, and the guests had one of their own to share. They announced that they had come together to support Wildlife SOS in constructing a new elephant enclosure, a thoughtful gesture that left everyone touched and inspired. It was the perfect ending to this memorable trip: a celebration of wildlife, culture, and the incredible bonds formed along the way.
Join Us for Founders’ Trip 2027!
The moment we saw the enthusiasm of all the guests during the welcome dinner, we knew that this wasn’t going to be an ordinary trip. The Wildlife SOS Founders’ Trip is more than just a journey, it’s an immersive adventure into conservation, India’s vibrant culture, and up-close encounters with some of the country’s most incredible wildlife. If you’ve ever dreamed of witnessing these magical experiences firsthand, don’t miss your chance to join Founders’ Trip 2027! Connect with us at kip@wildlifesos.org to know more.
