Ep 6. New Patron

In Wildlife SOS season 9 episode 6, titled "New Patron," the team at the rescue center welcomes a new patron who is passionate about animal welfare. The episode begins with a cutaway to the sanctuaries where they showcase the animals under protection and talk about the rescue, rehabilitation, and release operations that the teams work throughout the year.

The main focus of the episode, however, revolves around a new arrival at the center – a group of Indian elephants. The elephants were recently rescued from a circus that was keeping them in inadequate conditions and forcing them to perform. The rescue was made possible thanks to the patron who gave financial aid to Wildlife SOS to carry out the operation.

The team explains how the transition from the circus to the sanctuary can be difficult for the elephants as they are used to a different way of life. The center staff have to be extra careful in handling the animals, as they may exhibit aggressive behavior or be easily frightened. Proper care must be taken as any misstep during the transfer process can lead to the animal's severe stress, making their rehabilitation more challenging.

As the team works with the elephants, they share anecdotes about their experiences with other rescued animals. There are stories about a macaque who was once used for laboratory testing and a leopard who had to be rehabilitated after getting accidentally entangled in a trap set by a poacher. The center's staff highlights that each animal has its own personality and set of needs, which must be catered to during the rehabilitation process.

They further delve into the subject of poaching and its impact on India's wildlife. The Wildlife SOS team argues that poaching is a persistent issue in India, despite laws and regulations being in place. The episode features a wildlife volunteer who patrols around the sanctuary and points out how poaching and trespassing continue to be a concern even near protected areas.

The animals under their care also receive a lot of medical attention as the team talks about the importance of healthcare. The episode covers the story of a sloth bear who needed extensive surgery to address a leg deformity. It highlights the contribution of Wildlife SOS' veterinarians in nursing injured animals back to health, concluding that the charity provides rehabilitation and offers a chance for animals to thrive.

Towards the end of the episode, the patron visits the sanctuary and interacts with the various animals and the team members. The patron gets to see how his funding has helped the center and also gains insights about animal welfare. The episode concludes by stating that Wildlife SOS's work is far from over, and they intend to continue rehabilitating animals and raising awareness throughout India.

Overall, Wildlife SOS season 9 episode 6 is an insightful look into the workings of a wildlife sanctuary in India. It showcases the team's efforts at rehabilitating rescued animals and the challenges they face in doing so. The episode highlights the importance of animal welfare and how each of us can make a positive difference by supporting charities dedicated to wildlife protection.