Wildlife SOS recently had the honour of hosting Miss Universe Great Britain 2025 Danielle Latimer with international pageant titleholders at our Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC) and Elephant Hospital Campus (EHC) in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. The visit beautifully brought together compassion for wildlife, highlighting the solidarity for elephant welfare and the ongoing efforts by Wildlife SOS to protect and rehabilitate them.
Miss Universe Great Britain 2025 Danielle Latimer, a creative entrepreneur, photographer, and ambassador for Asian elephants, was warmly welcomed at Wildlife SOS elephant centres. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/ Mradul Pathak]
Danielle Latimer was accompanied by Luissa Burton (First Runner-up, Miss Universe Great Britain 2025), Helena Hawke (Miss Wales 2025), Sophie Wallace (Miss International UK 2025), Ava Morgan (Miss Great Britain 2024), Abigail Wood (Miss Earth Wales 2025), Jas Cadwallader (UK’s National Miss Pageant Finalist). Joining them were National Director at Miss Universe Great Britain Paula Abbandonato, who is also the Founder of A-Sisterhood, an organisation that supports women empowerment, and Sarann John, A-Sisterhood’s Ambassador.
Learning, Empathy, and Awareness
The visiting group spent their time surrounded by rescued elephants and the dedicated caregivers who look after them at our centres. They engaged closely with Wildlife SOS veterinarians, education officers and ground staff to understand the journeys of elephants rescued from the lives of begging, tourism, and ceremonial processions. The team learnt of the profound cultural and ecological significance of elephants in India, and the dignity they experience at our centres.
(L-R) Luissa Burton, Abigail Wood, Ava Morgan, Helena Hawke, Paula Abbandonato, Sophie Wallace, Jas Cadwallader, Danielle Latimer, and Sarann John. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/ Mradul Pathak]
The visiting titleholders toured Wildlife SOS’s Elephant Hospital Campus, India’s first hospital created to treat rescued elephants suffering from complex medical issues. They were introduced to the state-of-the-art facilities here such as the digital radiology, hydrotherapy pool, laser therapy, and medical hoist that were designed specifically for elephants to address their conditions. They also learned about the extensive work of Haathi Sewa, India’s first elephant mobile clinic, which provides critical medical aid to distressed pachyderms across India.
During their tour of the Elephant Hospital Campus, the pageant titleholders were provided with expert insights into advanced medical equipment dedicated to elephant care. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/ Mradul Pathak]
The hospital campus tour was followed by a visit to the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC), where our guests witnessed elephants rescued from neglected captivity. After learning of their traumatic lives spent in unnatural environments, the group was deeply moved by the personalised care plans tailored to each elephant’s unique needs, and were overwhelmed to see how they were leading a life filled with affectionate care given to them. What made for thrilling sights were elephants splashing around in their pools and savouring juicy watermelons and sugarcane!
Learning about individual stories of rescued elephants’ past revealed the adverse effects of neglected captivity, and how dedicated efforts under attentive care have supported their well-being. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/Vineet Singh]
Amplifying a Global Voice for Conservation and Change
Addressing the urgent need for elephant conservation, Danielle Latimer shared her heartfelt reflections: “My visit to Wildlife SOS was truly magical. Seeing the elephants and learning about their past was heartbreaking. I now understand the challenges that elephants face. It’s magnificent to witness the work that India is doing to protect elephants, and they have my support. I will ensure more people join Wildlife SOS in this mission to protect elephants and end abuse.”
After gaining insights into elephant exploitation, such as the brutal training methods used to force captive elephants into submission, the group strongly supported Wildlife SOS’s ongoing Refuse to Ride petition and the Begging Elephant Campaign. These are aimed to stop cruelty faced by elephants within the tourism industry and roadside entertainment.
The pageant members advocated for Wildlife SOS’s Refuse to Ride campaign, raising awareness about the suffering endured by elephants used for tourism. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/ Mradul Pathak]
Global Solidarity for India’s Elephants
From observing the daily routines of elephants to understanding the outreach efforts of the Haathi Sewa, the group’s visit was a profound journey of education and empathy. The delegation members experienced a renewed sense of purpose, and their hearts were full of admiration for the elephants and the Wildlife SOS team’s dedication towards conservation.
At Wildlife SOS, we are immensely grateful for the support of the pageant winners that are helping to create a brighter future for India’s elephants. You too could join us in this mission to safeguard the legacy of India’s heritage animal by contributing towards our elephant conservation and care efforts. You can also visit our centres or learn more about volunteering opportunities by reaching out to us at visit@wildlifesos.org or volunteer@wildlifesos.org
Feature Image: Vineet Singh/ Wildlife SOS
