045: Dana Wilson on Ending a 400-Year Tradition of Dancing Bears and Saving Begging Elephants

Ending a 400 Year Tradition of Dancing Bears: How Wildlife SOS is Transforming Animal Protection in India

What happens when someone leaves a long corporate career to follow a calling rooted in compassion for animals? In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, host Cheryl Moss talks with Dana Wilson, Director of Marketing and Communications for Wildlife SOS, about what real animal protection looks like on the ground in India.

Dana shares how his early volunteer work with animals eventually led him into full time nonprofit work. Today, Wildlife SOS operates inside one of the strongest wildlife protection systems in the world, helping animals while also supporting human communities.

One of their biggest achievements was permanently ending the 400 year tradition of dancing bears in India. Wildlife SOS rescued 628 bears and helped entire families transition to new livelihoods, placed 15,000 children in school, and created vocational programs for women. A full generation is now growing up without ever seeing a dancing bear.

Wildlife SOS also operates 24/7 snake rescue hotlines so snakes can be safely relocated instead of killed when they end up in homes, schools, or neighborhoods. Their work protects both people and wildlife.

Dana and Cheryl talk about the deep trauma suffered by elephants who are forced into begging. One powerful story is Perry, an elephant rescued with broken bones and severe injuries who now moves with confidence and trust. Wildlife SOS has rescued more than 50 elephants and has a goal to remove all 300 remaining begging elephants from India's streets by 2030.

Their work spans rescue, sanctuary care, rehabilitation, medical treatment, wildlife conflict resolution, and the release of animals back into protected habitats whenever possible. They also transform the lives of former poachers and handlers by training them as wildlife staff and caregivers.

This conversation highlights the power of compassion, strong laws, education, and collaboration among sanctuaries worldwide. Real change happens when systems shift and hearts open.

You can support Wildlife SOS here: wildlifesos.org give.wildlifesos.org

Cruelty is not permanent. Compassion spreads. https://www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/045-Dana-Wilson