India, Dec. 26 -- The trees are decorated with bells, stars, and miniature Santa ornaments. Maya, Phoolkali, Emma, Tara, and Suraj wait patiently nearby. But little Bani cannot hide her excitement. The moment she is given her surprise box with her favourite nutritious and colourful fruit feasts, there is no stopping her. The Christmas party has begun for the rescued elephants at India's first Elephant Hospital run by Wildlife SOS, a not-for-profit, in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.

The idea behind these celebrations is to support both the physical and psychological well-being of rescued animals, both at the Elephant Hospital and the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre, while creating a nurturing environment, says Kartick Satyanarayan, co-foun...