Wildlife SOS Celebrates Christmas with Festive Cheer for Rescued Animals

Dec 25, 2025 - The season of giving came alive at Wildlife SOS with Christmas celebrations across its centres in Agra, Mathura and Bengaluru, spreading warmth and moments of joy among rescued animals and caregivers alike. Wrapped gifts in seasonal colours and thoughtfully decorated surroundings marked the celebrations, creating a joyful atmosphere across the rescue centres.

At the centres, trees were decorated with bells, stars, and miniature Santa ornaments, while caregivers dressed as Santa Claus joined the celebrations alongside the resident animals. Wrapped mystery boxes filled with popcorn, peanuts, dates, coconut and honey were placed as surprise enrichments, encouraging curiosity and natural foraging behaviour.

At the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre, elephants Maya, Phoolkali, Emma, Tara and Suraj took part in the celebrations during their evening walk. Colourful fruit feasts and carefully wrapped surprise boxes were prepared and filled with nutritious favourites, creating a moment of delight for the gentle giants. The festivities continued at the Elephant Hospital Campus (EHC), where young elephant Bani was presented with her own Christmas enrichment, which she explored with enthusiasm. Wrapped gifts, decorated fruit platters and thoughtfully designed enrichment ensured the festivities remained both engaging and welfare focused.

Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder & CEO of Wildlife SOS, said, “Festive enrichments allow us to support both the physical and psychological well-being of rescued animals, while creating a nurturing environment. This is just an extension of responsible animal care.”

At the Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF), resident sloth bears Mowgli, Ron, Molly, Digit, Gambhir and Valmiki were delighted to discover surprise gift boxes placed inside their enclosures, drawn in by the scent of honey, dates and popcorn, while bears at the Bannerughatta Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC) joined in the festive celebrations as well.

Geeta Seshamani, Co-founder and Secretary of Wildlife SOS, added, “These celebrations are as much for the animals as they are for the caregivers who stand by them every day, both of whom are integral to the work we do. Their bond, built through daily care and trust lies at the heart of everything we strive to achieve.”

Baiju Raj MV, Director, Conservation Projects, Wildlife SOS, remarked, “The celebrations highlighted our focus on integrating animal welfare with enrichment-based care, ensuring rescued animals experience comfort and care during the festive season.”