The SOS bear and elephant rescue centres are located an hour from the centre of Agra. Regardless of distance we decided we wanted to visit to learn more about the animals and support the work they are doing and booked a taxi driver for the day at a cost of 3,500RS. Visiting the 2 centres also presented an ideal opportunity to visit the Tomb of Akbar the Great which is on route and quieter than the main sites. We contacted SOS direct to arrange our tour as you cannot just turn up. Visits are limited for animal welfare. We had a really interesting educational tour of both SOS facilities. If you have a passion and interest in animal welfare then you will enjoy a visit here, however if you are expecting an experience that is similar to a zoo then you will be disappointed. They ask for a donation of 2,500RS per person and we were happy to pay this as we really enjoyed our tour. It is also important to understand that without donations they are unable to continue the amazing work they do. Hearing the history of the animals is heart breaking, however we felt happy this organisation exists and there are people who work so hard and passionately to ensure the animals can live out the remainder of their lives in a happy place. Note there is also a small charge levied by the bird sanctuary. This is because SOS is located within the grounds and unfortunately this charge is unavoidable. This was slightly frustrating, as birds are only there during the winter and were there out of season. In summary a very special place.

I must admit I’m a little skeptical whenever I see the word ‘sanctuary’ or ‘rehabilitation’, but Wildlife SOS is the first place I’ve seen that really do put the animals first. Me and my partner chose to do the Elephant Conservation option. Himanshu- our guide is a credit to the organisation, he explained everything that Wildife SOS are involved in and described the Center as a retirement home, which we thought was fantastic. All of the elephants at Wildife SOS have been rescued and have suffered horrific abuse over their lives, and Wildlife SOS’s main focus is to educate the visitors and help rehabilitate the elephants mental and physical trauma so they can enjoy what time they have left. This is a must for anybody interested in conservation and absolutely not for anybody wishing to ride, feed, paint or even touch an elephant. Keep up the great work guys!!

My visit to Wildlife SOS' Bear and Elephant Sanctuaries were the highlight of my trip to India. It was so inspirational to see and hear from Shivam about the rescue of elephants from the street and the great facility they have built to provide them with the care and love they need. I could have spent days just watching them. I knew less about the plight of dancing bears but it was interesting to hear from Harendra about how every dancing bear has now been rescued and see how they're enjoying relaxing in their new home. I might have liked to spend a bit longer just observing but it was nice to have some time to walk around the beautiful bird sanctuary too.

An amazing place. I love animals and wanted to see some Elephants on my trip to India but I’m always thoughtful about their welfare. I’m so glad that i chose to visit SOS rather than contribute to their misery by buying into a trip that allows you to paint or ride the elephants. I learned so much and had a wonderful experience observing them in a setting that’s much better for their well-being. The project takes care of elephants which have been rescued and aims to end the practice of keeping them in captivity’s please, please consider this much better option before you book onto anything else

On recomendation: We pre booked, were given a time slot and visited Elephant SOS. What an amazing job this centre is doing for previously abused and exploited elephants. They are given a personalised healthy diet and on going veterinary care. It is the equivalent of a nursing/care home. No elephant rides, painting or made to perform tricks. This centre is about nursing and on going care for these beautiful animals. Some very sad stories about some of the elephants but good to see them live out the rest of their lives being cared for in comfort.

At the Outset, a big Salute to the work that this organization is doing is noteworthy and excellent. My kid enjoyed thoroughly after meeting the Elephants and Bears. The story of each rescue of the bears and elephants is heart touching but the work that goes behind the rehab is very very nice. Good Work Geeta and kartik and all the other volunteers like Himanshu and Harinder. Very neat and clean . I would like to volunteer by way of providing Legal Advices if required by you since i am a lawyer. My enthusiastic kid of 11 years also wants to contribute.

Brilliant place. The staff were amazing and the bears (and to be honest, all the wildlife there) were happy and relaxed. The bears are very obviously well cared for and are allowed to follow their natural nocturnal habits. That being said, we saw 5 bears who woke for their fruit meal - that was a huge bonus! I remember well seeing dancing bears at Dhabas on multiple trips to India in the 90’s and this dedicated group of conservationalists really have stopped this practice. But the most impressive thing was their holistic approach which absolutely blew all of us away. Our group included child protection officers and health care workers and we wish the organisations we work for could be this holistic! Travel advice: contact the organisation and give a donation to then visit as a donor. The person who answered my email actually met us at the gate and took us for the tour. He also let the bird sanctuary (we had to pass through) know we were coming. It is so rare to find such a personal touch. I will absolutely be visiting, but more importantly, donating again. Thank you Wildlife SOS!

This is what elephant experiences should be; we had an educational and emotional day learning about the trauma working elephants go through and why the work of Wildlife SOS is so crucial. Our guide was fantastic and knowledgeable and we had a hospitable and tasty lunch. Worth every penny to see elephants finally living out their days with dignity and peace.

Amazing experience all around. Fantastic staff all doing a wonderful job taking care of the animals and with love and dedication. A wonderful bonding opportunity for a family trip to work together for the welfare of our wildlife. An experience you will never forget in your life time.

I heard about this place while I was planning my travel to India, and I felt it was a must go. The experience was so intense and special. I visited the Bear Rescue center first and the Elephant rescue facility too. The efforts these people make everyday to give to abused animals a new life is amazing. Here live bears and elephants who suffered for so many years of abuses, now discovering a new peaceful and beloved life. After learning their heartbreaking stories you can feel a sense of relief by knowing that they are now safe. People working there are so kind and you can feel how much they care about the animals, you can see through their pure hearts. The centers are supported by donations but it's truly the most well spended money.