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Grannies knit woolly elephants to fundraise for charity

Three-year-old Bani, an Indian elephant walking through a grassy area with trees in the background. She has black boots on her hind feet.Wildlife SOS

Three-year-old Bani was rescued and rehabilitated by Wildlife SOS after she was knocked down by a train

Talented nannas in a care home have been knitting woolly elephants to help an international wildlife charity.

The women at Hazelgrove Court Care Home in Saltburn-by-the-Sea are selling the toys to fundraise for rescued Indian elephants, being cared for by Wildlife SOS. It works to rescue, treat and protect wildlife across India.

The knitting squad have also recently made monkeys and blankets for rhinos in South Africa and jumpers for penguins in Australia.

Ellen Else has white hair and a grey cardigan with a peach blouse. She is sitting on a grey chair holding a knitted, stuffed toy elephant.Hill Care Group

Ellen Else said she was happy to help raise money for the elephants

The charity has recently helped Bani, a three-year-old elephant who was knocked down by a train.

With specialist care and custom-made boots, Bani was able to walk again.

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."

The stuffed toys are £2 each and are so popular they are charging out the door, so the residents are busy making more.

Wildlife SOS's UK manager, Linda 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."

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