Amongst giants at Wildlife SOS, Agra India - a Volunteer story by Dr Nic Hayward

Dr Ilyaraja had attended an ultrasonography course that I was teaching on in Delhi, and invited me to visit the Wildlife SOS centre near Agra to see the work that this inspirational charity does across India.

Wildlife SOS supports the conservation of wild animals across the continent, via the rescue of animals such as elephants and sloth bears from the tourist industry, as well as rehabilitation of injured or displaced wildlife, such as leopard and snakes. Education is a fundamental part of their strategy, including the support of communities that previously relied on wildlife tourism for their livelihood.

Working with the veterinary team involved practical scanning sessions, where we spent time optimising the ultrasonography and X-ray equipment as well as some lecture time exploring different aspects of diagnostic imaging.

It was a complete privilege to work with the resident placid elephants and characterful sloth bears, as well as the occasional naughty macaque baby making the veterinary office his playground.

Special thanks to Dr Marjorie Polden for her kind donation of an ophthalmoscope and textbooks to Wildlife SOS following her retirement.

Of course, being so close to Agra also allowed for a trip to the other local monument and World Heritage highlight, the Taj Mahal. All in all, a spectacular and hugely rewarding trip!