As temperatures soar to blistering heights in Delhi and across northern India, the scorching summer spares no one: Humans and wildlife alike are pushed to their limits. For human beings, the heat demands constant vigilance, hydration, and access to shade. Yet animals, often overlooked, endure the same harsh conditions. Stray dogs pant in the streets, their tongues hanging as they search for shelter under sparse trees or abandoned carts. Cattle and birds, too, suffer under the oppressive sun, instinctively drawn to shrinking water sources and fleeting patches of shade. In such searing conditions, protecting these vulnerable creatures becomes a shared responsibility.
Wildlife SOS reactivates seasonal heat management protocols
In response, Wildlife SOS has reactivated their seasonal heat management protocols to ensure the well-being of rescued sloth bears and elephants at their Agra and Mathura centres. With animals particularly susceptible to extreme weather, the summer care programme focuses on hydration, environmental enrichment, and thermal relief.
At the Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF), the quantity of hydrating seasonal fruits like watermelon and cucumbers offered to the bears has increased. Cooling enrichments such as ice popsicles and frozen fruit blocks have been introduced, offering both nutrition and sensory engagement. The enclosures are fitted with coolers and overhead sprinklers, while dedicated water pools offer much-needed relief during peak heat hours. Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is also being administered to prevent dehydration in bears showing signs of heat stress.
Meanwhile, at the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC) and Elephant Hospital Campus (EHC) in Mathura, new adaptations include rescheduling walks to cooler parts of the day–early mornings and late evenings–allowing the elephants to remain active while avoiding midday heat. Sprinklers, regular pool maintenance, and additional ORS intake are keeping the elephants hydrated and comfortable. Clean drinking areas are maintained multiple times a day, while shade structures and mud wallows help regulate body temperature naturally.
“Our summer protocols support emotional, behavioural well-being of animals”
Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, said: “India’s summers are becoming increasingly intense, and animals under our care feel it as much as humans do. Our teams anticipate these challenges every year, ensuring each bear and elephant has what they need to remain healthy, hydrated and happy.”
Geeta Seshamani, Co-founder & Secretary of Wildlife SOS, said: “Our summer protocols go beyond physical relief; they are designed to support the emotional and behavioural well-being of the animals too. Whether it’s a bear enjoying a frozen treat or an elephant enjoying a relaxing shower, every measure reflects years of specialised care.”
Dr Ilayaraja S, Deputy Director of Veterinary Services, Wildlife SOS, said: “ORS supplementation, tailored diets, and habitat cooling are some of the veterinary-led interventions that we have introduced. Continuous observation allows us to respond quickly to any early signs of heat stress or fatigue.”
Workshop on animal crime, investigation and prosecution held
In another development, around 100 officials from the judiciary, forest department, police, and legal enforcement agencies convened in Mathura for the second edition of the Wildlife Crime, Investigation and Prosecution Workshop, organised by Wildlife SOS in partnership with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department.
The event sought to improve and strengthen legal and investigative capabilities to combat wildlife crime and trafficking through collaborative engagement and focused training. Senior legal professionals, forest department officers, and enforcement authorities participated in a full-day workshop exploring practical challenges and effective solutions for improving wildlife law enforcement.
The event, held in Mathura, began with a formal welcome and inauguration by Justice CD Singh, Judge at the Allahabad High Court, Sidharth Luthra, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India and former Additional Solicitor General of India, Vinod Singh Rawat, Principal Secretary (Law) & LR, Government of UP, Lucknow.
In their addresses, the dignitaries stressed the urgent need for legal clarity, efficient casework, and inter-agency coordination. Topics ranged from evidentiary procedures and trial delays to the role of modern forensics in wildlife crime scenes.
Kartick Satyanarayan presented key case studies from Wildlife SOS’s field operations, highlighting patterns in trafficking, enforcement gaps, and the importance of rapid legal response to wildlife emergencies. The sessions also featured insights from Sangram Singh Katiar, IFS, Director, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Dr CP Sharma, Principal Technical Officer at the Wildlife Institute of India, Sarvesh Kumar, President, District Consumer Forum and Retd District Judge, Agra along with senior public prosecutors and legal advisors. Presenters spoke on improving conviction rates through stronger case-building, coordinated investigations, and greater understanding of how wildlife crime is prosecuted in courtrooms.
Justice CD Singh, Judge at the Allahabad High Court, said: “This workshop aligns legal theory with field-level application. It gives our enforcement officers a much-needed opportunity to update themselves on evolving legal procedures and practical strategies to tackle complex wildlife crimes with empathy and expertise.”
“Legal intervention can make real difference for animals in distress”
Sidharth Luthra, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India and former Additional Solicitor General of India, said: “Creating awareness about the cruelty and commercialisation behind wildlife crimes is key to building a more humane society. This workshop helped shed light on how we can legally and socially respond to these issues while fostering compassion. I shared case examples that demonstrated how timely legal intervention can make a real difference for animals in distress.”
Sangram Singh Katiar, IFS, Director, Sariska Tiger Project, said: “Such platforms prepare our teams better for real-world enforcement, making them more confident about evidence handling and prosecution protocol.”
Kartick said: “The collective knowledge and passion in the room were inspiring. This workshop reaffirmed the importance of collaboration in fighting wildlife crime, and I’m grateful to every individual who contributed to its success.”
Geeta Seshamani, Co-founder and Secretary, Wildlife SOS, said: “It’s deeply encouraging to see legal, forest, and enforcement systems come together in this way. These efforts are key to protecting endangered wildlife and holding offenders accountable.”
