British 'Knitting Nannas' sent mini sweaters to penguins, toys to monkeys, and baby blankets to a rhino. Now they're knitting for elephants

In Saltburn-by-the-Sea, England, a group of senior knitters is helping animals around the world. The "Knitting Nannas" live at Hazelgrove Court Care Home. These women, in their seventies, eighties, and nineties, use their craft to support various animal causes.

Knitting for Critters

In December 2024, the Knitting Nannas made blankets for Hercules. He was a three-week-old rhino in South Africa. Hercules was recovering from a hyena attack over 5,000 miles away.

"I feel extremely proud that I have been part of this project," said Joyce Wooffindin, one of the Nannas. "To see Hercules wearing one of our blankets brought a tear to my eye."

In May 2025, they knitted tiny sweaters for the Penguin Foundation in Australia. These sweaters go to Phillip Island, home to over 40,000 penguins. If there's an oil spill, these "rehabilitation jumpers" protect affected penguins until experts can clean their feathers. This short time can be very important for their survival.

"I have knitted jumpers for both my children," laughed 94-year-old Joyce Baxtrem, "but have never knit for a penguin."

Then, in December 2025, the Nannas made wool toys and blankets for monkeys. These went to the International Primate Rescue in South Africa for Christmas.

Sharon Lewis, the activities coordinator at Hazelgrove Court Care Home, explained the idea. "One of our residents, Judith, said she had heard monkeys like to play with toys just like children," Lewis said. "Apparently, they are called enrichment toys. So we thought it would make a great next project."

Helping Elephants in India

The Knitting Nannas' latest project is for Wildlife SOS. This group helps endangered animals across South Asia. They rescue leopards, save "dancing" bears, and protect elephants.

"Currently, we have a big focus on saving India’s elephants," said Nikki Sharp, executive director of Wildlife SOS-USA. This includes protecting wild elephants and rescuing captive elephants forced to beg for money.

When the Nannas heard about this mission, they wanted to help. They started knitting wool elephant plushies. All the money from selling these toys goes to Wildlife SOS.

"The knitted elephants have been flying out," Lewis noted. "They sell straight away, and the residents are already busy making more."

Wildlife SOS has made big strides in elephant conservation. They built India’s first Humane Elephant Rescue Center and the country's first elephant hospital. They even created a special "elephant" ambulance.

On April 16, Save the Elephant Day, the Hazelgrove Court Care Home residents joined a web call. They learned more about the elephants from Wildlife SOS experts.

"It was wonderful to be invited to the webinar and see the amazing work the rescuers are doing," said 77-year-old resident Peter Rayson.

Tina Parker, a 75-year-old Knitting Nana, shared her feelings. "Elephants are my favorite animal, and it is heartbreaking to think people will take them from the wild and make them beg, breaking their spirit," she said.

Wildlife SOS is very grateful for the support.

"The entire team and I are sincerely touched by the creativity, thoughtfulness, and generosity of the residents," said Linda Whiteley, Wildlife SOS’s U.K. manager. "Knowing that they care so deeply about the once-captive elephants highlights the global appreciation for these endangered animals."

Lewis noted how meaningful this has been for the residents. "The Knitting Nannas love knowing that something they have made with their own hands is helping animals on the other side of the world," Lewis said. "It gives them a huge sense of achievement and has sparked lots of conversations about wildlife and conservation."