Residents at Hazelgrove Court Care Home in Saltburn-by-the-Sea are turning their knitting skills into a global impact, creating woolly elephants to raise funds for international wildlife charity Wildlife SOS.
The group, affectionately known as the 'Knitting Nannas', meet at the Randolph Street care home and are selling their handmade elephants to support the charity’s work rescuing, treating and protecting wildlife across India, including providing lifelong care for elephants in need. All in their 70s, 80s and 90s, the group has a strong track record of charitable knitting, having previously made toys for monkeys, blankets for rhinos in South Africa and jumpers for penguins in Australia. Their latest creations have proved especially popular, with around a dozen already sold and demand continuing to grow.
Woolly Wonders
Activities coordinator Sharon Lewis said residents were delighted by the response: “The knitted elephants have been flying out. They sell straight away and the residents are already busy making more.”
As part of their involvement, residents also joined a live webinar with Wildlife SOS on Save the Elephant Day, where they learned more about the charity’s work. During the session, they heard from co-founder and CEO Kartick Satyanarayan, who spoke from India about efforts to rescue elephants exploited for begging and the organisation’s aim to end the practice by 2030.
Residents were also introduced to the specialist care given to rescued elephants, including rehabilitation programmes and purpose-built elephant ambulances.
One story that stood out was Bani, a young elephant injured in a train accident and initially unable to walk. Thanks to specialist treatment and custom-made boots, Bani has since regained mobility - a recovery that donations like those from the knitting project help to support.
Elephant Aid
Resident Tina Parker, 75, 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.”
Ellen Else, 95, added: “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.”
Peter Rayson, 77, described the webinar as inspiring and said: "It was wonderful to see the amazing work the rescuers are doing".
Sharon Lewis said the project had given residents a renewed sense of purpose: “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.”
Wildlife SOS UK manager Linda Whiteley added: “We are sincerely touched by the creativity, thoughtfulness and generosity of the residents. Their support highlights the global appreciation for these endangered animals.”
Funds raised from the sale of the knitted elephants will go directly towards helping rescued elephants like Bani and supporting ongoing conservation efforts. For further information on Wildlife SOS, visit their website.
