Elephants boast the longest gestation period of any land mammal, carrying their young for nearly two years before birth.
Elephants once roamed across Asia and Africa in huge numbers. Sadly, around the 19th and 20th centuries, their population suddenly declined, putting them at risk of going extinct.
Their biggest threat? Us. In Africa, poachers hunt and kill elephants for their tusks, while in Asia, they are losing their natural habitat to humans.
Unfortunately, many people are unaware of these issues or the ways they can help, which is why World Elephant Day is so important.
If you’d like to learn more about how this holiday could help save the elephants, keep reading.
History of World Elephant Day.
In 2010, two filmmakers from Canada, Patricia Sims and Michael Clark, traveled to Thailand to shoot a film to show the world the challenges elephants faced.
While working on the project, they connected with the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation. Founded by Queen Sirikit of Thailand in 2002, this charity is dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing captive elephants into the wild.
Upon the foundation’s request, the filmmakers agreed to make a film showcasing their work. It was during this collaboration in 2011 that the idea of dedicating a day to elephants first came up.
13 years ago, on August 12, 2012, the first-ever World Elephant Day was celebrated. This first celebration coincided with the release of their documentary, Return to the Forest.
Since then, World Elephant Day celebrations have continued to grow, partnering with over 100 organizations and attracting millions of participants globally to create awareness about the plight of elephants.
How to celebrate World Elephant Day.
The best way to celebrate World Elephant Day is to find creative ways to support its mission. Here are some simple ways you can make a difference.
Help spread the word.
One of the easiest ways to mark World Elephant Day is by lending your voice to the cause. It’s easy, won’t cost you a dime, and anyone can join in.
Start by sharing some posts on your social media or speaking with friends and family. By raising awareness about the challenges elephants face, you get more people on board to help.
Boycott businesses that harm elephants.
If you’re on vacation, please skip the elephant rides or shows. While sharing selfies of yourself riding an elephant might look cool and harmless, it isn’t.
Elephants don’t want to be ridden; they’re wild animals after all. What’s worse, many of those tourism businesses that offer elephant rides and shows often abuse them behind the scenes.
Donate to elephant conservation societies.
Many organizations that work to protect elephants rely on funding to continue their essential work. By donating, no matter how little, you can help save the elephants.
Consider supporting groups that help rehabilitate and release captured elephants back into their natural habitat in the wild.
Another great option is to donate to organizations that help protect elephants from poachers and preserve their habitat.
World Elephant Day FAQs.
Who started World Elephant Day?
Canadian filmmakers Patricia Sims and Michael Clark collaborated with Queen Sirikit of Thailand’s Elephant Reintroduction Foundation to organize the first World Elephant Day.
What is the main purpose of World Elephant Day?
World Elephant Day is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the threats facing elephants and encouraging people to help protect them.
Can you host your own World Elephant Day celebration?
Absolutely, it’s quite encouraged! All you need to do is make a plan and gather others together. You can also register the event on the World Elephant Society website to help promote it.
Are there other special holidays for elephants?
Yes, there are other special days dedicated to elephants. Save the Elephant Day is celebrated annually on April 16, while National Elephant Appreciation Day is celebrated on September 22.
5 Fun Facts About Elephants.
Have you ever heard the saying ‘elephants never forget’? Indeed, it’s true because these giant mammals possess exceptional memories, recalling both human faces and geographic routes across decades.
Elephants are social animals that often live in groups, led by the oldest female, known as the matriarch.
Elephant tusks are simply their overgrown front teeth, which continue to grow throughout their life. African elephants have bigger tusks, which can reach approximately 11.5 feet (3.5 meters) in length and weigh around 236 pounds (107 kilograms) each.
Baby elephants spend nearly two years in their mother’s womb, which is the longest gestation period of any land mammal.
Elephants can’t jump. Their heavy body weight, stiff ankles, and weak muscles make it physically impossible for them to hop.
World Elephant Day is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the beauty and importance of these majestic creatures.
However, it’s also a time to raise awareness about the challenges elephants face, such as poaching, abuse, and habitat loss.
And let’s not forget about the poor elephants in captivity, who are used as entertainment for tourists.
By spreading the word, donating, and boycotting businesses that harm elephants, you can help protect them. And that’s the best way to mark World Elephant Day on August 12 every year
