Every year on the 12th of August, World Elephant Day is witnessed to recognise the importance of elephants in our ecosystem. The day raises consciousness about the dangers that elephants face daily. Every factor contributes to animal abuse, whether illegal hunting, unfair treatment in confinement, or habitat loss.
Elephants are revered in many societies and are critical to the ecosystem’s survival. As a result, it is critical to comprehend their importance and take precautions to safeguard them at all expenses. The World Elephant Day campaign was launched in 2012 to raise awareness about the plight of Asian and African elephants.
In short, the goal is to create an eco-friendly environment where animals are not utilised and exploited. Social networking has been a critical tool in the achievement of this campaign.
World Elephant Day History: What is the origin of World Elephant Day?
On August 12, 2012, Global Elephant Day was established to draw attention to the plight of Asian and African elephants.
It was discovered by Canadian cinematographers Michael Clark and Patricia Sims while working with the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation in Thailand.
Patricia Sims established the World Elephant Civilization in 2012 as a non-profit organisation. Her organisation has raised awareness about the risks that elephants face and the need to protect them globally.
International Elephant Day: What is the importance of celebrating World Elephant Day?
Global Elephant Day raises awareness about the possible dangers that elephants face. According to National Geographic, the elephant population has declined by half in the last 75 years. There are approximately 20,000 African and 40,000 Asian elephants left, according to reports.
Elephants are essential because they help sustain other organisms’ ecological systems. The significant population decline, as a result, can weaken the natural order.
International Elephant Day: What are some interesting elephant facts?
- Elephants have 2.5-centimeter or thicker skin.
- Elephants are constantly consuming food.
- They can spend 75% of their time eating.
- Baby elephants can get up and stand in under twenty minutes of birth and begin walking within one hour.
- The elephant’s temporal lobe, associated with memory, is more extensive and denser than humans. As a result, they never forget.
- In the wild, there were approximately 4.15 lakh African elephants.
- African elephants are substantially bigger than Asian elephants. They also have more prominent ears that are influenced by the African continent.
- Elephants in the wild can live for 60-70 years.
- Elephants are evocative and capable of displaying emotions such as grief, and compassion.
- Elephants communicate by picking up seismic vibrations with their feet.
How to Assist Elephants?
What you can do:
- To show your support, sign the International Elephant Day Pledge.
- To promote safe and ethical elephant tourism. Do not support organisations that utilise or abuse the behaviour of elephants and other animal life for profit.
- 10DaysForElephants. Elephants and their habitats can be protected. Take ten actions in the ten days preceding World Elephant Day on August 12.
- Purchase no ivory or even other wildlife product lines. Consider yourself an elephant-aware consumer.
- It is currently illegal in the following states: Hawaii, Oregon, Nevada, California, New York, New Jersey, and Washington State. Legislation prohibiting the use of ivory is also being regarded in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Nebraska, and Massachusetts.
- Elephants should be studied in their “keystone” role in the environment and their interactions with seedlings and other animals because the environment is interrelated.
- Visit elephants in regions of the world where they live in the wild – tourism benefits the economic system, creates needed jobs, discourages poaching and abuse, and allows you to witness these splendid giants’ beauty, intellectual ability, and sentimental capacity.
- Help organisations are working to end elephant ivory and other wildlife product lines’ illegal hunting and barter.
- Help organisations that protect wild elephant habitats.
- Contribute to organisations creating natural, safe havens and alternative ecosystems for domesticable elephants to enjoy freedom.
- Support people who have depended mainly on elephants, wild animals, and natural resources by providing healthy, alternative, and sustainable livelihoods. Discover indigenous cultures that have historically coexisted with elephants.
- Keep an eye out for the elephant habitat. Avoid buying coffee that isn’t reasonable or shade-grown, as well as products containing palm oil. These advertising crops are produced in elephant habitat-depleted plantations. Only buy hardwood accredited by the Forest Stewardship Council, which seeks to promote responsible management of the world’s forests – elephants’ natural habitat.
- Discuss elephants in your classroom. Create an elephant research team to share information and ideas about elephants’ plight and what can be done to guarantee their survival in the future.
- What do you find appealing about elephants? Their intelligence, empathy, and concern for each other are just a few of their numerous characteristics. Accept and embody these characteristics in your living.