Poonam Dhanwatey

Co-Founder and Trustee, Tiger Research and Conservation Trust (TRACT)

“Elephants are simply the most beautiful animals, with their swaying graceful movements and their soulful eyes. They look absolutely stunning in black and white pictures, blowing dust with the curvy trunk, the massive tusks and their lovely wrinkles.

But unfortunately these tusks and the skin are the very things that they’re so mercilessly hunted for. India is also facing the crisis of the loss and fragmentation of their habitat frequently leading to conflict with humans. Horrifying episodes about cruelty to these magnificent animals have been in the news. 

Pictures of the matriarch leading her herd to water, the mother not wanting to leave her unmoving calf are heart-rendering visuals that speak volumes about these gentle giants who deserve better. 

But I must admit, I simply love the wild cats. Tigers come a close second. The splendid array of their movements and expressions, the golden hues in the sun, the extreme expressions they display right from the playfulness with the cubs to being the ultimate predator.

It’s an absolute tragedy that these two stunning creatures are endangered and so threatened.” 

Photo by Harshawardhan Dhanwatey / TRACT