World Elephant Day: Joining Hands To Help The World’s Elephants

Bhubaneswar: World Elephant Day, observed on August 12 every year, is an international annual event dedicated to the preservation and protection of the world’s elephant population. Initiated in 2011 by Canadian filmmakers Patricia Sims and Michael Clark of Canazwest Pictures, and Sivaporn Dardarananda, Secretary-General of the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation in Thailand, it was officially founded, supported and launched by Patricia Sims and the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation on August 12, 2012. Patricia Sims continues to lead the forefront and directs World Elephant Day, which is now supported by over 65 wildlife organizations and many individuals in countries across the globe.

The main aim of International Elephant Day is to create awareness regarding the plight of African and Asian elephants, and to share knowledge and positive solutions for the better care and management of captive and wild elephants. On the IUCN Red List of threatened species, African elephants are listed as “Vulnerable” and Asian elephants as “Endangered”. Conservationist have opined that if no immediate steps are taken, then both African and Asian elephants may become extinct in the next 12 years. Currently, there are about 400,000 African elephants and 40,000 Asian elephants, although many have alleged that these figures are too high.

In many cultures of the world, the elephant is loved, revered and respected by people and cultures around the world. In India, Elephants are worshipped as they are associated with Lord Ganesha. Despite this, unrestrictive destruction of forests and killing of Elephants has been a rampant issue in India; so much that we are on the brink of seeing the last of this magnificent creature.

The escalation of poaching, habitat loss, human-elephant conflict and mistreatment in captivity are just some of the threats to both African and Asian elephants. Conservatory efforts like working towards better protection for wild elephants, improving enforcement policies to prevent the illegal poaching and trade of ivory, conserving elephant habitats, better treatment for captive elephants and, when appropriate, reintroducing captive elephants into natural, protected sanctuaries are the goals that numerous elephant conservation organizations are the need of the hour.

Many notable celebrities have spoken out about the urgency of elephant protection. Leonardo Di Caprio, Kristin Davis, William Shatner, Yao Ming, Prince William, Alec Baldwan, Ashley Judd and politicians like Barack Obama, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton have lent their support to the cause of Elephants at numerous occasions.

On this day, the international community is urged to come forward for the conservation and protection of the world’s elephant population to save the magnificent animal from becoming extinct. As aware citizens, people are requested to join hands and advocate better care of elephants so that they can thrive in their natural habitats.