Jumbo Jumpers

Huge blankets were knitted to keep elephants warm in winter.

17:41 19 January 2017

Elephants being cared for at the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in Mathura, northern India are sure to feel warm this winter with their huge blankets knitted by kind-hearted local ladies.

 

Kartick Satyanarayan, founder of the centre, said: “We work hard to give these elephants a life of dignity and protection while we also provide them ongoing treatment and care.

 

“This winter we are making jumpers to give the jumbos in our care some warmth. It costs us about £800 per elephant per month to provide them essential medical treatment, a nutritious diet and ongoing care.

 

“They really took to their jumpers! I know in some countries it is a bit of a joke to wear the most outlandish one you can, particularly around Christmas time. But the elephants care less about fashion and more about being warm.”

 

The first recipients of the knitted blankets are rescued elephants named Suzy and Laxmi, who was saved from the streets of Mumbai. Laxmi was dangerously overweight having been fed fast food, street food, sweets and left overs from human meals. At the time of her rescue, she was having difficulty walking or even opening her eyes.