Thirteen intrepid supporters of Animal Aid Abroad recently returned home, still beaming from their adventure in India with AAA founder Janet Thomas.

Over the fortnight, we visited two of AAA's long-supported organisations: Friendicoes in Delhi and Help in Suffering in Jaipur. We also had the opportunity to visit Animal Aid Unlimited in Udaipur, where we were impressed by their sanctuary for many animals in need of rescue or rehabilitation. This visit helped the AAA committee confirm their wise decision to include AAU among the many wonderful groups we support that help working animals.

A highlight of this trip was our visit to a camel rescue facility near Jodhpur, sponsored by AAA. Here, the team met Gopal from Friendicoes, who runs a remarkable camel sanctuary. With regular visits from veterinarian Dr. Akhilesh, they provide essential assistance to both camels and their owners in the region. Everyone enjoyed getting up close and personal with these amazing animals and seeing the results of AAA’s funding of this much needed facility on the edge of the Thar desert.

Our journey through India was filled with fun as we travelled from city to city mostly by train. Whether it was the chaotic traffic that made us laugh or the thrilling experience of sleeper cars on Indian trains or the hustle and bustle of city markets—every moment was memorable!

We also had some downtime, including a safari tour in the famous Ranthambore National Park. While only a few of us caught a glimpse of tigers and a hyena, our excitement remained high as we bounced along rough roads, stopping every so often to quietly observe various species of deer, birds, monkeys and an elusive leopard.

Throughout our stay in this fascinating country, we met dedicated staff at amazing sanctuaries and veterinary clinics. We donated nearly 100 kg of medical supplies for the veterinarians, and best of all, we had the opportunity to meet many beautiful, deserving animals now in the care of loving humans who provide them with shelter, compassion, and security.

As we returned to our lives in Australia, we felt a mix of emotions; we already missed the friends we made during this trip and the people who showed us that there is so much love and care for the forgotten working animals of India. We will always hold onto the memories of the soulful eyes we encountered; knowing these animals are now better off than when they were working on the streets, in kilns, and at various job sites in both urban and rural India.