Saltburn ‘Knitting Nannas’ raise funds for Indian elephants

The “Knitting Nannas” of Hazelgrove Court Care Home in Saltburn, all in their 70s, 80s, and 90s, are supporting Wildlife SOS, an organisation that works to rescue, treat and protect wildlife across India while providing lifelong care to animals in need.

Sharon Lewis, activities coordinator at Hazelgrove Court Care Home, said: “The knitted elephants have been flying out.

Hazelgrove Court Care Home resident Joyce Baxtrem, 95 (Image: Supplied)

“They sell straight away and the residents are already busy making more.”

The group has previously made toys for monkeys, blankets for rhinos in South Africa, and jumpers for penguins in Australia.

In honour of Save the Elephant Day, residents joined a web call with Wildlife SOS, where they heard directly from Wildlife SOS leadership about their work helping elephants exploited for begging, as well as efforts to improve welfare and end the practice.

Hazelgrove Court Care Home resident Ellen Else, 94 (Image: Supplied)

Linda Whiteley, UK manager at Wildlife SOS, introduced residents to Kartick Satyanarayan, the charity’s co-founder and CEO.

Mr Satyanarayan described how the charity aims to end the exploitation of begging elephants by 2030 and the complex care they provide—including purpose-built elephant ambulances and rehabilitation programmes.

He also shared the story of Bani, a three-year-old elephant who was knocked down by a train.

Wildlife SOS team members in India with their elephant ambulance (Image: Supplied)

Rescuers initially thought she would never walk again but, with specialist care and custom-made boots, Bani has since regained her mobility.

Funds raised through the sale of the knitted elephants will go towards helping elephants like Bani.

Tina Parker, 75, a Hazelgrove resident, said: “Elephants are my favourite animal, and it is heartbreaking to think people will take them from the wild and make them beg, breaking their spirit.”

Two of the woollen elephants produced by The Knitting Nannas from HazelgroveCourt Care Home, in Saltburn (Image: Supplied)

Ellen Else, 95, said: “I am happy that I am still able to help with the knitted elephants we are doing, which will raise money to help these poor elephants.”

Fellow resident Peter Rayson, 77, said: “It was wonderful to be invited to the webinar and see the amazing work the rescuers are doing.”

Ms Lewis said the project had given residents a real sense of purpose.

Three-year-old Bani, who was rescued and rehabilitated by Wildlife SOS after shewas knocked down by a train (Image: Supplied)

She said: “The Knitting Nannas love knowing that something they have made with their own hands is helping animals on the other side of the world.

“It gives them a huge sense of achievement and has sparked lots of conversations with families and visitors about wildlife and conservation.”

Ms Whiteley said: “The entire team and I are sincerely touched by the creativity, thoughtfulness, and generosity of the residents of Hazelgrove Court Care Home.

“Knowing that they care so deeply about the once-captive elephants in our care highlights the global appreciation for these endangered keystone animals.”