Cricketer Yusuf Pathan on Friday stressed the need to conserve environment and protect wildlife.

The cricketer visited the Wildlife SOS elephant conservation centre and the Agra Bear Rescue Facility, which have 21 elephants ' title=' elephants '>elephants and 200 bears.

"There is a need to protect and conserve India's wildlife," Pathan said.

"Species like elephants ' title=' elephants '>elephants particularly need to be cared for as India is the last remaining stronghold of endangered Asian elephants.

"Wildlife SOS is doing a great job helping these elephants ' title=' elephants '>elephants and bears and they have my complete support," he added.
 

Pathan spent time interacting with the Wildlife SOS animal care staff to get an insight about their efforts.

He also signed autographs and cricket bats for the team.

Geeta Seshamani, co-founder Wildlife SOS, said it was a delight to have a cricket star like Pathan pledge his support to the NGO.