“Behind every bill, document or transaction is a purpose — the care, safety and wellbeing of an animal.”
When we think of wildlife conservation, we often picture rescuers responding to emergencies, veterinarians treating injured animals, or caregivers tending to them every day. But behind all these operations and every life saved is a crucial team, people whose work may happen away from the enclosures, yet remains essential to ensuring that animals receive the care they need.
For Jamal Ahmad, this has been the reality of his journey with Wildlife SOS for more than 13 years.
As a Senior Accounts Officer, Jamal oversees the financial and accounting matters that equally support staff members and rehabilitated wildlife in Agra and Mathura. He works behind the scenes to help ensure that the organisation’s animal welfare and conservation programmes have the resources they need to function. Originally from the state of Jharkhand, a name that translates to ‘the land of forests’, Jamal had developed an interest in nature and animals at a young age itself. He is a simple, soft-spoken person who never imagined that his professional journey in finance would eventually lead him to become a part of the larger, crucial mission to protect wildlife.
From reviewing expenses related to animal food and feed to medicines, veterinary care and enclosure construction, Jamal’s work connects numbers and documents to something meaningful that he takes pride in: the wellbeing of animals. Let’s get to know more about him.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I completed my MBA in Finance from Kota University in Rajasthan, but I come from Jharkhand, where I grew up. Looking back, I feel that growing up close to nature has helped me develop a natural affection and respect for animals. I enjoy spending time with my family. I am also fond of playing carrom board games.
How did your journey with Wildlife SOS begin?
I joined Wildlife SOS in the month of February in 2013. What attracted me to the organisation was its commitment to animals and the compassionate way in which the teams work for their care and protection.
I have always had a soft and compassionate nature towards animals, and I felt that Wildlife SOS would give me an opportunity to contribute to a cause that genuinely mattered to me. Although my professional background is in finance, I realised that my work could also play an important role in supporting animal welfare. For me, being part of an organisation that works every day to save and improve the lives of animals has been very fulfilling.
Do you remember your first day at Wildlife SOS? What was your first impression?
Yes, I remember being very happy and impressed by the level of care and treatment provided to the animals. Seeing the dedication of the teams and the attention given to even the smallest aspects of animal care made me realise that Wildlife SOS is a place where people genuinely cared about the wellbeing of animals.
That first impression stayed with me and became one of the reasons I feel proud to be part of the organisation for more than 13 years now.
Can you tell us about your current role and what a typical day looks like for you?
I currently work as a Senior Accounts Officer, looking after the financial and accounting matters for Agra and Mathura. My day usually begins with checking and responding to emails, followed by reviewing bills, vouchers and financial documents related to animal food and feed, medicines, veterinary care, enclosure construction and other operational requirements.
Although my role is primarily financial, I always remind myself that behind every bill, document or transaction is a purpose: the care, safety and wellbeing of an animal. That gives my work a deeper meaning.
If you could describe your journey at Wildlife SOS in just three words, what would they be?
Challenging, dedicated and meaningful.
Every day has brought its own challenges, but the opportunity to contribute to the welfare of animals has made the journey deeply meaningful for me.
What keeps you motivated?
What motivates me is knowing that the work I do ultimately contributes to saving and improving the lives of animals that cannot speak for themselves.
When I think about the animals who need urgent care, it reminds me why our work is important. That thought helps me stay focused.
What values guide you at work every day?
I believe I am quite approachable and respectful, and I always try to find solutions that my colleagues and I are confronted with. I also hope that the responsibility with which I perform my tasks sincerely reflects how our work supports a larger cause — the welfare and protection of animals.
Having crossed 13 years with Wildlife SOS, is there any specific incident, case or memory that you treasure the most?
I am proud of having grown with Wildlife SOS for more than a decade and of being able to contribute consistently to the organisation’s work. What has stayed with me most is not one particular incident, but many small moments I have had the chance to observe. The teams at our centres work in such an organised manner, keeping in mind the daily routine of the animals under care. Whether it is arranging food and medicines, improving an enclosure, supporting veterinary care or ensuring that an animal receives what it needs, every department contributes to the same goal.
Working behind the scenes has made me realise how much planning and coordination goes into caring for an animal. It has also taught me the value of teamwork. Caring for an animal requires people from many different backgrounds to work together—veterinarians, caregivers, rescue teams, administrative staff, finance teams and many others. Everyone has a role to play. It is especially fulfilling to know that my work, even though it is largely administrative and financial, contributes to that process.
What do you think people often misunderstand about your work?
People may sometimes think that because I work in the accounts department, my connection to wildlife conservation is limited. But I see it differently. Financial management is an important part of ensuring that the organisation can continue providing food, medicines, veterinary care, enclosures and other necessities for the animals.
I know that I am working for a noble cause, and that gives me a sense of purpose. Every time I know that my work has helped facilitate the care of an animal, I feel that I am contributing in my own way.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I enjoy spending time with my family. After a busy schedule at work, family time helps me relax and recharge.
My family is very proud of the work I do. They know that Wildlife SOS is working to save and care for animals, and they are happy that I have been able to contribute to such a meaningful cause for so many years.
Their support has also motivated me to continue giving my best at work.
If you could share one message with people about wildlife conservation, what would it be?
Wildlife conservation is not about keeping humans separate from nature. It is about learning how to coexist with the animals and ecosystems that share our planet.
Every individual can contribute by being more compassionate towards animals, respecting wildlife and understanding that protecting nature is ultimately about protecting our own future as well.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to build a career in wildlife conservation?
Wildlife conservation is a highly competitive and passion-driven field. A degree can provide knowledge, but practical experience, dedication, patience and a genuine commitment to animals are equally important.
My advice would be to be willing to learn, respect every role within the organisation and understand that conservation is a team effort. Whether you work directly with animals or support them through finance, administration or other functions, every contribution can make a difference.
Jamal believes that wildlife conservation is ultimately about coexistence. And this can begin with how people understand the relationship between nature and its diverse inhabitants.
Conservation is a team effort and sometimes, making a difference begins with simply choosing to care.
Wildlife SOS has been working for over three decades to rescue, rehabilitate and protect India’s wildlife. From animal rescue and veterinary care to habitat conservation and community-based initiatives, our work is made possible by people across many different disciplines who share a common commitment to wildlife.
Support our work and help us continue giving rescued animals the care, dignity and protection they deserve.
Feature image: Atharva Pacharne/ Wildlife SOS
