Born and raised in the lush landscapes of Coorg, Likitha Appaiah is an advocate for wildlife conservation and human – animal conflict mitigation. She joined the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (WRRC) in 2023, where she’s been managing the organization’s communications and operations. Through her work, she hopes to raise awareness and support for the vital mission of protecting the animals.

Anvay Nayak is a conservationist and project lead working at the intersection of wildlife conservation, marine conservation, and community engagement. With on ground experience across Karnataka’s coasts and forests, he has designed and led initiatives that blend science, education, and grassroots implementation.

As Finance Manager, Vani is at the helm of the organization’s financial well-being. She oversees all financial operations, from budgeting to comprehensive reporting. Her role comprises ensuring absolute financial transparency and strict compliance with all regulatory standards. She also manages the day-to-day financial activities and is responsible for preparing the organization for audits 

A true Bangalorean at heart, Jagadisha has been an integral part of WRRC for 18 years. As the liaison officer, he silently serves as the backbone of the organization, meticulously managing correspondence with all stakeholders

Hailing from Dharwad with a passion for animal care, Ganga serves as the Accounts Executive at WRRC. She oversees  financial operations, ensures compliance, and manages daily financial activities and reporting

Working in the field of Animal Welfare for over a decade, Ajay started his journey volunteering with animal welfare organisations in Delhi during his college days. He then moved to Bangalore and started working with CUPA where he started India’s largest community driven cat sterilisation program supported by Sudha Murty’s Murty Trust. He also was instrumental in securing CSR project funds for WRRC

Sonu Niranjan is a Human Rights Activist and the current Office Secretary at WRRC. With over four years of experience in animal welfare and a deep-seated commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy, Sonu’s work is defined by a singular mission: ensuring dignity, safety, and rights for all living beings.

A wildlife journey that began in 2018 with the rescue and relocation of urban reptiles and birds in Bengaluru evolved into a dedicated career. This passion led to academic pursuits in wildlife and environmental sciences, followed by professional roles in rescue, rehabilitation, and community engagement. Today, as a wildlife rescuer and rehabilitation officer, Afnan works at the intersection of conservation, education, and animal care, striving to make a difference for India’s urban and wild fauna.

Dr. Nirupama Jaisingh holds a Master’s degree in Veterinary Microbiology and a
Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Wild Animal Disease Management. With over 13 years of extensive experience in the treatment and care of wild animals, she has established herself as a dedicated wildlife veterinarian.
In 2022, Dr. Nirupama began her association with the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, where she applies her expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of wildlife diseases and injuries. Beyond clinical treatment, she actively contributes to community outreach and education programs aimed at raising awareness about wildlife conservation and health.

Amith Tapse, who has over 20 years of field experience in rescuing urban wild, and endangered animals, joined WRRC in 2022. He has been instrumental in addressing human-animal conflicts by visiting over 100 villages within the eco-sensitive zone of Bannerghatta National Park to gather vital information and then helped design the outreach program accordingly. He is also actively involved in rescues of sick and injured wildlife. 

Born and raised primarily in Bangalore, Dr. Roopa’s journey began at the Veterinary College, Hebbal, where she earned her Masters in Veterinary Science  (2002-2004). Her deep interest in wildlife led her to a  fascinating  career working  with reptiles, birds, and small mammals, she joined the team in 2009. The profound satisfaction of treating and releasing injured wild animals back into their natural habitat remains her primary motivation, a feeling that has kept her dedicated to the cause for over two decades.

Shreyas’s childhood fascination with elephants evolved into a full-time career. In 2021, he joined the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre as an Assistant Manager, where he now oversees the daily operations of the elephant care facility and raises awareness about wildlife conservation

Vijay began his work in animal welfare in 2009, focusing on Animal Birth Control and running a trauma center for cruelty cases. For the past eight years, he has managed the elephant care facility. In this role, he oversees daily operations, including staff management, caring for sick and injured elephants, and coordinating with the forest department to rescue elephants in need.

A lifelong passion for wildlife, nurtured by her family’s nature trust in the Sigur region of The Nilgiris, led Dr. Shanti to a career as a wildlife veterinarian. After graduating with her BVSc & AH from Madras Veterinary College in 2024, she honed her skills with clinical and surgical training at World Veterinary Services and observed post-mortems in Mudumalai. Inspired by watching elephants in the wild, she joined WRRC in 2025. Working with the elephants at ECF has only fueled her passion, and she continues to learn from these incredible animals every day.

Dr. Suranjana Ganguly is a Veterinarian by training from the University of Glasgow. She has worked in the fields of wildlife, marine wildlife and Shelter Medicine & Welfare. She is currently the chief veterinarian for the elephants at the  Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Bangalore.

At the heart of WRRC lies a deep-rooted compassion for every displaced or injured animal that enters our gates. We believe that true rescue work begins with understanding the physical and emotional trauma these creatures have endured. By prioritizing individual care plans and stress-free environments, we ensure that every animal feels safe and respected. This empathetic approach guides our rehabilitative journey, aiming for a life of dignity for all.

Our dedication to wildlife welfare is an unwavering promise that extends beyond rescue and into long-term advocacy. Whether it is navigating complex legal battles for captive elephants or providing medical attention at BRC, our team never backs down. We are committed to being the voice for the voiceless, ensuring that the conservation and protection of India’s wildlife remain our top priorities. This steadfast resolve is what drives our success in even the most challenging rescue operations.

We believe that sustainable change happens when local communities and our staff are equipped with the right knowledge and tools. Through specialized training programs at our facilities, we empower caretakers and volunteers to become experts in ethical wildlife management. By running extensive outreach programs, we create a dedicated network of wildlife advocates who are ready to protect their local ecosystems.

Empowerment- The catalyst that turns awareness into meaningful, life-saving action.WRRC takes immense pride in being a women-led organization, with a Board of Trustees comprised primarily of women and an all-female veterinary team spearheading our clinical care.

Sustainability is woven into our daily operations at BRC and ECF, where we strive to minimize our ecological footprint. We have transitioned to “no-plastic” methods for our on-site feeding, ensuring our healing environment doesn’t harm the planet. Our annual calendars are produced using eco-friendly materials and recycled paper, reflecting our commitment to green practices. From solar energy use to responsible waste management, we ensure that our care for animals goes hand-in-hand with our care for the Earth.

Cognizance at WRRC means maintaining a constant state of awareness regarding the evolving needs of wildlife and the threats they face. We utilize field observations to refine our rehabilitation techniques and educational outreach. By staying informed on global conservation trends and local environmental shifts, we can preemptively address issues before they become crises. Our goal is to foster a more “cognizant” society that understands its role in the delicate balance of nature.

A powerhouse in wildlife conservation, Suparna co-founded WRRC in 1999 with a vision to protect India’s natural heritage. She is globally recognized for her tireless advocacy for captive elephants, having played a pivotal role in researching and establishing specialized care centers in South India.

Beyond her work at WRRC, she serves on the advisory board of Help Animals India (USA) and various Central and State animal welfare committees including the Elephant Task Force which was formed by Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) in 2011-12

In 2023, she was awarded the Indian Women Achievers’ Award ( IWAA), for excellence in social service and in 2022, the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations ( FIAPO)

Apart from International Womens’ Day Award by the Garden City University & Professional Achievement Award by the NRI Association for outstanding contribution in the field of animal care and rehabilitation, she was also awarded the ” Pride of Karnataka” award by the Round Table India in 2017, for outstanding achievement in the field of social work . The FICCI FLO Women Achievers Award for Animal Welfare followed shortly.

In recognition of Commitment and Service, in 2016, she was honored with the Nari Shakti Puruskaar by the President of India, a testament to her lifelong commitment to the cause. In 2002, she received the Women Achievers’ Award by the Ladies Circle India.

She has spoken for wildlife and specifically elephant protection in various public talks and screenings including at the TEDx event hosted in Bangalore.

She has co-authored multiple reports on elephants in captivity and is a tireless advocate for their humane treatment and welfare.

Dr. Rao brings a blend of veterinary expertise and legal activism to the organization. A graduate of Bangalore’s Veterinary College and a co-founder of CUPA, she has spent years documenting the plight of captive elephants—research that ultimately led to a landmark petition in the Supreme Court of India. While she currently chairs an Independent Ethics Committee for human clinical trials, her heart remains in conservation. She was awarded the Special Achievement Award in 2016 by the Karnataka Veterinary Association for her contributions to animal welfare.

Subrahmanian Santakumar (Subru) is a Bangalore-based communications strategist, filmmaker, and passionate advocate for animal welfare and wildlife conservation with over two decades of multi-sector experience. Co-founder of PaperCup Media, he has built a career at the intersection of storytelling, social change, and digital strategy, working with global nonprofits including ProVeg India, Million Dollar Vegan (now Project Slingshot), Veganuary, and VegPlanet, India’s first vegetarian lifestyle magazine. He is a trained undercover investigator for Mercy For Animals (MFA), having conducted sensitive, confidential investigations in the animal welfare space, and previously served on the Board of People for Animals, Bangalore.
As a filmmaker, Subru directed the award-winning Malayalam feature Mankolangal – Guardians of the Earth, a film centred on a marginalised community in the interiors of Kerala; which won the Best Debut Director award from the Kerala State Government, FIPRESCI (International Federation of Film Critics) Award for Best Film at the Kerala International Film Festival, and Best Asian Film at the Dhaka International Film Festival, making him one of the youngest recipients of these honours globally. The film was also nominated for the Sutherland Trophy at the British Film Institute and the Golden Leopard at the Locarno International Film Festival.
A theatre director, long-distance runner, wildlife enthusiast, and photographer, Subru currently serves on the Board of WRRC India as Treasurer, bringing his rare blend of creative rigour, strategic communications, and deep personal commitment to the organisation’s mission of protecting wildlife, preventing cruelty, and restoring harmony between humans, animals, and nature.

Brindha Nandakumar has been associated with WRRC since its inception.Presently she’s holding the post of a Honorary Trustee in WRRC. and is Past President of WRRC.

Actively engaged in the field of animal welfare and rights since 1994. Served on the CUPA Board from 1996 to 2007. Has worked in several capacities including fighting Court cases on behalf of animal Ngos and AWBI, pertaining to both domestic and wild animals.

Brindha Nandakumar is also a Mediator, Karnataka High Court and Senior Mediation Trainer & Resource Person, MCPC , Supreme Court of India.

Contributed to many social causes. Served on the managing committee of Richmond and Langford Town. Past Chairperson of Ladies Circle 66, an organisation engaged in community service.

Shalini Santosh is the youngest member of the Board and a Clinical Child Psychologist and trainer whose work powerfully bridges human empathy and animal welfare. With over two decades of professional experience in animal welfare, she brings strategic insight, emotional intelligence, and a deep-rooted commitment to compassionate conservation.

Her leadership is distinguished in integrating humane education with wildlife protection. Passionate about rescuing and rehabilitating geriatric dogs is an active spearhead of community outreach and wildlife conservation  also drives public engagement initiatives that strengthen grassroots participation and build sustainable community partnerships.

Her progression from a volunteer to Managing Committee Member to Hon.Trustee reflects not only continuity of honorary service committed to wildlife protection, sustainability and actively works to educate the next generation on responsible coexistence with nature.

Gopi has been a steady pillar of WRRC for many years, blending corporate acumen with a genuine passion for conservation. His ability to provide sharp, analytical insights and his talent for persuasive writing have been instrumental in guiding the organization’s growth. Gopi’s strategic mindset ensures that WRRC’s various initiatives are both impactful and sustainable. Gopi has been working in the area of animal welfare and rights for 20 years and has been associated with both CUPA and WRRC.
Gopi was responsible in spearheading the campaign against an advertisement by Volkswagen India when they launched the Polo in the Indian market. The advertisement seemed to instigate violence against animals and Gopi waged a relentless campaign till the advertisement was withdrawn by the company.