4 min read People Are Knitting Giant Sweaters To Keep Rescued Elephants Cozy It makes them so happy!

Cozy winter garments, made with love, are a bit like hugs that you can wear. And these lucky elephants clearly couldn't be happier to feel that warm embrace from people who took the time to care.

Roger Allen

A cold snap is underway across northern India, home to the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Center, and everyone is feeling the chill. Fortunately, the sanctuary's pachyderm residents, each of whom was rescued from a sad life of exploitation and abuse, aren't having to face the freezing temperatures unprotected. As it turns out, a group of big-hearted local villagers have been knitting giant sweaters to keep the elephants warm.

Roger Allen

Creating custom-knit clothing for the largest land mammals on earth is no quick and easy task - but the volunteers did it with a smile. Wildlife SOS cofounder Kartick Satyanarayan told The Dodo that it took about four weeks for them to make each one. Still, the knitters didn't skimp on adding colorful flair to the elephants' new duds.

Roger Allen

So, far three of the sanctuary's 23 rescued elephants have been gifted sweaters of their own - but if all goes well, the others might be sporting a similar style next year. In the meantime, these warm (albeit less fashionable) blankets will keep them cozy through the winter.

Wildlife SOS

Making sure these animals are happy and comfortable is what the sanctuary is all about - especially considering all the hardships they've been through.

Roger Allen