From Blankets to Nutrition: Wildlife SOS’s Winter Care for Rescued Animals

Jan 9, 2026 - As winter settles over northern India, Wildlife SOS has activated seasonal care protocols at both the Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF) and the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC) in Mathura. With temperatures dipping sharply, the organisation is focusing on tailored winter-care management strategies to keep rescued elephants and sloth bears warm, nourished and comfortable, especially those with age-related health needs or past trauma.

At ECCC, rescued elephants, many of whom are geriatric or have chronic ailments, are receiving specially adapted support to combat the cold. Their enclosures are fitted with halogen lamps and tarpaulin sheets that block cold winds and reduce heat loss. Geriatric elephants are wrapped with insulating blankets and, as part of their daily care regime, they receive oil massages that improve blood circulation and relieve stiffness.

Additionally, the diet for these pachyderms has been thoughtfully modified for winter. Their meals now include a specialised blend of warm spices – cloves, turmeric, ginger, garlic, black salt, ajwain (carom seeds) and hing (asafoetida), mixed with jaggery and ghee (clarified butter). Elephants also receive a mix of nutritious seasonal fodder to support their energy requirements.

At the Agra Bear Rescue Facility, winter care includes enriching the bears’ diets with warm porridge made from bajra (pearl millet) and ragi (finger millet), enhanced with jaggery and extra boiled eggs. Bear enrichments are prepared using treats made from puffed rice, jaggery and peanuts, formed into balls that encourage natural foraging behaviour and mental stimulation.

To ensure comfort throughout the cold season, bedding such as paddy straw and dried grass is extensively spread across bear dens, mud pits and enrichment areas. Geriatric bears benefit from enclosure coverings made of tarpaulin to block chilling winds and additional heaters are installed for those with reduced mobility. On sunny winter days, many bears are observed basking in shallow mud pits or hammocks layered with straw, taking advantage of the warmth and soft bedding.

Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder and CEO, Wildlife SOS said, “Winter care at our centres goes beyond shelter, we focus on boosting internal warmth of the body, nutrition and circulation in our residents, especially those most vulnerable to cold-related stress.”

Dr S. Ilayaraja, Deputy Director, Veterinary Services at Wildlife SOS, shared, “The warm spices in the elephants’ diet help boost digestion, circulation and body heat during winter. For the bears, their nutrient-rich porridge and seasonal treats ensure they stay energised and healthy throughout the colder months.”

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