DONATE
 

Join Us for World Elephant Day

Join Us for World Elephant Day

 

Happening on Wednesday, August 12 Worldwide!

World Elephant Day created this special occasion to bring attention to the worsening plight of elephants in the wild. Poaching, habitat loss and human-elephant conflict are just some of the issues threatening the world’s elephants. World Elephant Day’s aim is to raise awareness about these issues and encourage the global community to work together to support the conservation of these magnificent creatures. In Defense of Animals, and numerous other organizations such as The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, PAWS and WILDAID, have joined together in solidarity to speak out for elephants around the world.

How can you take part in the celebration?

  • Host your own World Elephant Day party and screen the Return to the Forest documentary with friends (World Elephant Day is showing the film on its website)
  • Share your favorite elephant stories, photos, videos, and books with us on Facebook
  • Make a poster displaying your love for elephants, and take a photo of yourself with it and post it to our Facebook page
  • Write a poem about elephants and share it on your blog or on our Facebook page
  • Tweet #WorldElephantDay to spread the word about the plight of elephants
  • Sign the pledge on www.worldelephantday.org to support a world that protects elephants, wildlife, and their habitats
  • Donate money to IDA’s elephant campaign

How can you take part in helping elephants?

  • Do not buy ivory or other wildlife products. Be an elephant and wildlife (and all animals) aware consumer.
  • Study elephants and their “keystone” role in the environment and interrelationships with plants and other animals.
  • Visit elephants in countries where they live in the wild – tourism benefits the economy, provides needed jobs, deters poachers and abuse, and gives you the opportunity to experience the beauty, intelligence, and emotional capacity of these magnificent giants.
  • If you wish to experience elephants in their natural environment, choose countries that have practices and policies in place to help animals and eco-tourism operators who support local elephant conservation projects and that treat elephants with respect and dignity.
  • Do not support organizations that exploit or abuse elephants and other animals for entertainment and profit.
  • Support healthy, alternative, sustainable livelihoods for people who have traditionally relied on elephants, wild animals and natural resources. Learn about indigenous cultures that have traditionally lived in harmony with elephants.
  • Be aware of elephant habitat. Do not buy coffee that is not fair-trade or shade-grown, nor products with palm-oil. These commercial crops are grown in plantations that have decimated elephant habitats. Only buy wood products that have been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, which promotes responsible management of the world’s forests – the natural habitat for elephants and other wildlife.
  • Talk about elephants at your school. Initiate an elephant study group to share knowledge and ideas about the plight of elephants and what can be done to ensure their survival into the future.
  • What do you love about elephants? Their intelligence, empathy and caring for one another are just a few of their qualities. Embrace these qualities and live them in your own life.
  • Use your love of elephants and World Elephant Day, August 12, to start a conversation with the next person you meet.

Help bring the world together to save elephants. For more information on World Elephant Day and how you can help visit: www.worldelephantday.org

DONATE