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​Indian Villagers Knit Super-Size Pyjamas For Cold Elephants

​Indian Villagers Knit Super-Size Pyjamas For Cold Elephants

What a gesture.

Anonymous

Anonymous

It was getting quite chilly in the Indian village of Mathura. It dropped below freezing this winter. So, what did the local women do? They got to work knitting giant colourful jumpers to keep the nearby elephants warm. Natch.

And don't they look brilliant? The villagers even made leggings - because style is just as important as warmth. They look very pleased with their new 2017 clothes.

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Elephant
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But it wasn't just any old elephants that the villagers clothed - I'm not even sure how you would get an elephant in the wild to put on a jumper!

The town is near Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre, which cares for elephants who've suffered abuse and neglect. The centre is looking after 20 elephants that have been rescued from illegal captivity, trafficking and circuses. But even a charitable centre needs some help.

The founder of the centre, Kartick Satyanarayan, told the Times of India: "It is important to keep our elephants protected from the bitter cold during this extreme winter, as they are weak and vulnerable having suffered so much abuse making them susceptible to ailments such as pneumonia.

"The cold also aggravates their arthritis which is a common issue that our rescued elephants have to deal with."

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Elephant
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The centre is hoping to rescue 50 more elephants this year - so those women better get knitting!

Words: Laura Hamilton

Featured Image Credit: Roger Allen

Topics: elephants