These elephants have their very own giant jumpers to keep them warm in winter

When it’s cold out, you wear a jumper – and this rule is no different if you’re an elephant.

Suzy and Laxmi the elephants were rescued from streets of Mumbai, India, after years of abuse from cruel handlers, and they needed to keep warm like the rest of us.

So kind-hearted locals have been working tirelessly to knit the elephants some jumbo jumpers to wrap around them when it all gets a little chilly.

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Kartick Satyanarayan, founder of the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in Mathura, said: “We work hard to give these elephants a life of dignity and protection while we also provide them ongoing treatment and care.

“This winter we are making jumpers to give the jumbos in our care some warmth.

“It costs us about £800 per elephant per month to provide them essential medical treatment, a nutritious diet and ongoing care.”

The sanctuary rescued 23 elephants from beatings at the hands of their owners recently and plan to provide a home to another 50.

Now safe and happy in their new home, the animals are being treated with the respect and love they deserve.

Kartick added: “They really took to their jumpers! I know in some countries it is a bit of a joke to wear the most outlandish one you can, particularly around Christmas time.

“But the elephants care less about fashion and more about being warm.”

Top pic: North Downs Picture Agency