Ashmit Patel at Wildlife SOS.
Credit: Wildlife SOS
Mumbai: Wildlife SOS celebrated a heartwarming Christmas with a special Secret Santa - renowned Indian actor, DJ, and animal lover, Ashmit Patel.
Ashmit’s visit to the organisation’s centres in Agra brought festive joy to rescued elephants, sloth bears, and the dedicated team caring for them.
The day began with a guided tour of Wildlife SOS’ Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC), the Elephant Hospital and Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF). He actively participated in the preparations, helping caregivers cut fruits and treats for the animals.
After the tour, he joined in decorating the festive Christmas tree, adding stars and ribbons that brightened the space with holiday cheer.
Donning a Santa cap, Ashmit personally packed gift boxes filled with delicious fruits, nuts, and other treats for the animals, placing the gifts under the Christmas tree.
As the sun set, he delivered these surprises to elephants Emma, Maya, and Phoolkali during their evening walks. They were surprised by the sight and scent of the gifts, while the sloth bears at ABRF eagerly devoured their treats with curiosity and delight.
Ashmit also spent time interacting with caregivers, including Baburam ji, caregiver of Suzy who was in a sad state after the demise of the old female elephant. Together, they remembered her while watching ‘My Sweet Paro’, a Wildlife SOS film that left Ashmit deeply moved, a press statement said.
Wildlife SOS also celebrated Christmas across its various centres namely the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre in Maharashtra, the Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre in Bangalore, and the Dachigam Rescue Centre in Jammu & Kashmir. The heartwarming traditions at these sanctuaries uplift the spirit of both the team and the animals they care for.
“I came with certain expectations, but after visiting the Wildlife SOS centres, they have far exceeded them. The work being done in conservation and creating awareness for these wonderful animals is truly remarkable. Hearing their heartbreaking stories was deeply moving, but it’s heartening to see the dedication of the doctors and the love they receive from their caregivers,” Ashmit said.
Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, added, “Having Ashmit Patel join us for the festivities brought a special warmth to our celebrations. Celebrities like him play a crucial role in spreading awareness about wildlife conservation.”
Geeta Seshamani, Co-founder and Secretary of Wildlife SOS, expressed, “Ashmit’s visit to our centres highlights what celebrities and influential people can do to spread awareness about crucial issues such as animal welfare and conservation. This festive season reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect and cherish wildlife.”