It's World Elephant Day Today
Wildlife enthusiasts across the planet are celebrating one of the planet’s big grey beasts today as it is World Elephant Day.
From small beginnings in 2012, this specific day is now supported by countless countries and more than 65 wildlife organisations across the world for the protection and preservation of the biggest land mammal. Through the joining of hands and voices by powerful and influential policymakers, there is now a global movement to ensure that there are safe habitats where elephants can continue to thrive and still be there for future generations.

World Elephant Day 2020
And all three elephant species are under threat—Asian, African savannah and African forest elephants. Their numbers have declined by more than 60 % in the last decade, mainly as a result of human-wildlife conflict, decrease in habitat and the scourge in ivory poaching. In the last nine years, more elephants have been lost than the population can reproduce.
There simply have to be continued and concerted efforts to ensure that these enigmatic animals continue to roam free and wild, as they are meant to do. Elephants play an immensely important role in the health and well-being of ecosystems where a variety of fauna and flora species rely on these mammals to carve out an existence for themselves. Should the elephant disappear from the wildlife horizon, the natural world would be in grave danger.
World Elephant Society
Since its inception in 2015, the World Elephant Society has been supporting World Elephant Day through awareness campaigns and educating citizens of the world on elephant conservation. Teachers, scholars, students and nature lovers alike are given access to information to enhance their contributions to the future existence of the specie.
For those not able to venture to foreign shores and observe elephants in their natural habitat, visits to sanctuaries where the species can be marvelled at in close quarters will lift the veil somewhat on these wonderful creatures. However, herein lies a certain responsibility to make sure that said sanctuary is a responsible and ethical facility.
So, whether on World Elephant Day or any of the other 364 days of the year, remember this when wanting to get up close and personal with the mighty elephant:
Research
Do proper research before visiting a sanctuary.
Thinks Ethics
An ethical sanctuary will never offer elephant entertainment or rides.
Less Crowds
Guest numbers will be kept low, and direct contact with the animals will be limited at an ethical sanctuary.
Adequacy
An ethical sanctuary will have large and adequate enclosures for the animals.
Volunteers
Most ethical sanctuaries will have a volunteer programme.
Did you enjoy this post?
Pin or share it here:
