World Elephant Day

Every Year, World Elephant Day is observed on August 12 to raise awareness about the challenges in elephant conservation and their protection worldwide. Elephants are considered one of the friendliest animals on the Earth and play an important role in balancing the ecosystem.

Elephant Day emphasises addressing the challenges in their survival and habitat loss. It is an opportunity to make people aware of the importance of these wild animals and to take action to protect them. 

World Elephant Day: History

Patricia Sims of Canada and the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation of Thailand – a project of HM Queen Sirikit of Thailand – joined forces to establish World Elephant Day on August 12, 2012. Since then, Patricia has been in charge of World Elephant Day.

This action was taken to make people aware as the project has partnered with over 100 organisations dedicated to conserving elephants and reaching countless people worldwide. By commemorating World Elephant Day, millions of people worldwide demonstrated their concern for the conditions of elephants and their willingness to provide a hand in any way they can.

World Elephant Day: Significance

Elephants consume huge amounts of grass daily dispersing seeds wherever they go as they are significant grazers and browsers. 

The elephants play a vital role in forming the Asian landscape's frequently dense vegetation. For example, elephants cut trees and leave openings in them so that sunlight may reach newly planted seedlings. It promotes the growth and the natural regeneration of forests.

World Elephant Day provides a platform for groups and people to get together to raise awareness of the problems facing elephants. From citizens to lawmakers and governments, all are making efforts to unite forces across the world to frame conservation strategies ensuring elephants and their habitat remain safe for future generations to enjoy.

Different Types of Elephants

Elephants are mainly classified into two main species; Asian and African elephants.

Due to growing population and industrialisation, habitat encroachment is now considerably worse for Asian and African elephants increasing the likelihood of human-elephant conflict. 

World Elephant Day has been successful in raising awareness for the protection of elephants and the need for global movement. 

Interesting Facts about Elephant

·        The African Savanna (Bush) is the world's largest land animal and weighs around 6,000 kg on average. 

·        The elephant baby weighs around 120 kg at the time of birth which is around 19 stone. 

·        Three species of elephants are the African Savanna (Bush), African Forest and Asian. 

·        Elephants have around 1,50,000 muscle units in their trunks which are the most sensitive organ of the mammal. 

·        Elephant trunks can save up to 6 litres of water and they use their trunks as a snorkel while swimming. 

·        Elephants communicate through a variety of ways such as trumpet calls, body language, touch and scent.