Pathan bats for wildlife conservation
Cricketer Yusuf Pathan visited the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation & Care Centre in Mathura and the Agra Bear Rescue Facility here on Friday to promote and spread awareness about elephant and bear protection and wildlife conservation.
He reached Mathura with his wife Afreen and sons Ayan and Raiyaan and interacted with the staff to get an insight into the efforts of the organisation for care of elephants.
He learnt about tuskers Chanchal, Bijli and Laxmi, who are among over 20 elephants housed at the centre and also spoke to mahouts. Rescued from illegal captivity and circuses where they were ill-treated and subjected to cruelty, these gentle giants are now living a life of freedom under the care and treatment of expert veterinarians.
Pathan thanked the veterinarians and the staff for their efforts to look after the rescued animals. He also signed autographs and cricket bats for them .
Lauding the task undertaken by Wildlife SOS , he said, “There is need to protect and conserve India’s wildlife. Species like elephants particularly need to be cared for as India is the last remaining stronghold of endangered Asian elephants.”
Geeta Seshamani, co-founder Wildlife SOS said, “It was a delight to have a cricket star like Yusuf Pathan pledge his support to Wildlife SOS’s efforts to protect elephants.”
Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder & CEO of Wildlife SOS said, “Yusuf Pathan visited Wildlife SOS about 8 years ago and today he was back to endorse his support to wildlife conservation. We sincerely hope other sports stars like him join hands with Wildlife SOS.”