Massive congratulations this week to Wildlife SOS's co-founders Geeta Seshamani and Kartick Satyanarayan for their recent news! Geeta was recently honoured at the Limca Book of Records, who recently celebrated their 25th year of existence by honouring 25 women for their contributions to society. She was honoured for her contribution to animal conservation and welfare, which she has been heavily involved with for a period of thirty five years - Fantastic news Geeta!
Co-founder Kartick Satyanarayan also has reason to celebrate. He recently received the prestigious Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar National Award for his outstanding contribution to wildlife proetection, awareness and environmental conservation from the Honourable Minister for Environment and Forests – well done Kartick!
Wildlife SOS was established as a Non-Profit Charity in 1995 by both Geeta and Kartick as a movement to inspire and make lasting changes to protect and conserve India's natural heritage, forests, and wealth of wildlife (including sloth bears, leopards and elephants). Today the organization, supported by International Animal Rescue, has evolved to actively work towards protecting Indian wildlife, conserving different habitats, studying the biodiversity within them, conducting research, and creating alternative and sustainable livelihoods for erstwhile poacher communities.
Known as the pioneers of rescuing sloth bears from the cruel 'dancing bear' trade, Wildlife SOS has done absolutely fantastic work throughout India. It is tantamount to their efforts that the last sloth bear was rescued from the streets in the December of 2009. Sadly, the majority of these bears could never be released back into the wild, so Wildlife SOS developed rescue centres across the country as areas to provide a safe haven for these beautiful animals – many of which were severely traumatised. One of these sanctuaries, the 'Agra Bear Sanctuary', is visited by volunteers on the 'Highlights of India Voluntour'. Volunteers here are able to meet the team, as well as help out with creating enrichment for the bears resident here.
For your chance to meet the team behind this fantastic charity and work alongside the bear behind the legend of Baloo, as well as visit India's first chain-free elephant camp (also founded by Wildlife SOS); why not join the Highlights of India Voluntour from June 2nd – 14th?
Currently we are offering £200 off each place on this project, so now is the time to time to go. But hurry, places are limited!
