Bengaluru: Wildlife SOS’ Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC) has witnessed a series of visits from influential personalities, all united in their mission to raise awareness about sloth bears and wildlife conservation. Radio Jockeys RJ Pradeep and RJ Sowjanya along with actors Ranjani Raghavan, Swetha R. Prasad, Kavya Shetty, Deepika Das, Anupama Gowda and Raghu Gowda, united their voices to advocate for a change in people’s perception towards wildlife protection.
Located within the breathtaking surroundings of the dry-deciduous Bannerghatta National Park, the Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre saw an eventful year with successive visits from Radio Jockeys RJ Pradeep and RJ Sowjanya along with actors Swetha R. Prasad, Ranjani Raghavan, Kavya Shetty, Deepika Das, Anupama Gowda and Youtuber Raghu Gowda. The visits from these influential personalities were driven by a common goal: to utilise their wide-reaching platforms and bring a change in the general perception about wildlife conservation.
RJ Sowjanya, RJ Pradeep and his wife also an actress Swetha R. Prasad renowned for their ability to connect with diverse audiences, expressed their dedication to spreading awareness about the plight of sloth bears through their radio shows. They emphasised the urgency of preserving natural habitats and urged listeners to support NGOs like Wildlife SOS in their mission to protect and rehabilitate distressed wildlife.
Notably, actors Ranjani Raghavan, Raghu Gowda, Kavya Shetty, Deepika Das, and Anupama Gowda also made visits to BBRC, where they witnessed the efforts of the dedicated staff in caring for the rescued sloth bears. Immersed in the tranquil surroundings of the centre, they experienced first-hand the significance of wildlife conservation and pledged to use their influence to inspire positive change in society’s mindset towards animal welfare.
They also pledged their support to the ‘Refuse To Ride’ campaign of Wildlife SOS, which aims to end riding elephants for tourism and entertainment purposes.
The Co-Founder and CEO, Wildlife SOS, Kartick Satyanarayan said, “With each visit from influential personalities, the Wildlife SOS Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre continues to amplify its message of wildlife conservation and the need for a collective effort to protect wild animals and their natural habitats. Through their commitment and passionate involvement, these personalities have ignited a spark of change that can create a brighter future for wildlife in India.”
The Deputy Director, Corporate and Philanthropic Partnership, Wildlife SOS, Sandhi Priya said, “These visits encompass various important days dedicated to nature and biodiversity. Their presence on occasions like Earth Day, Biodiversity Day, and Republic Day served as a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect and preserve the natural heritage of our planet.”
Since its inception in 1995, Wildlife SOS has become a sanctuary for over 600 sloth bears, having saved them from various circumstances such as the cruel ‘dancing’ bear tradition, poaching, and human-bear conflict situations. Operated jointly by Wildlife SOS and the Karnataka Forest Department, the BBRC currently houses over 60 rescued bears, standing as the second-largest rescue facility for sloth bears in the world.