The first-ever World Elephant Day is on August 12, 2012. In conjunction with this day the film "Return to the Forest" by Patricia Sims informs the public about the urgent plight of Asian and African elephants.
There are only 50,000 Asian elephants left in the world and are now considered endangered. About 4000 live in Thailand, with 2800 in captivity and 1200 in the wild. The elephants are facing severe threat because of habitat loss. Asian elephants are being killed for their ivory, meat, tourism etc.
In Africa there are less than 400,000 elephants. In the past two years because of ivory the elephants have been killed in high levels. About 100 elephants are daily killed for illegal trade.
This international awareness campaign is commissioned and supported by the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation. Videos for your interest.
We can help
- by learning about elephants and their role in the environment and extend this concern to other animals.
- Support organizations that provide natural sanctuaries for elephants to live freely without the stress and trauma of captivity.
- We can also support organizations that are working to stop illegal trade to protect wildlife
Most importantly
- Do not buy ivory or other wildlife products.
- Don't buy coffee that is not from fair trade or shade-grown, nor products with palm oil because these commercial crops grown in plantations reduces hectares of forest in Asia.
- Buy only wood products that have been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council that promotes responsible management of the world's forests.
screening the 30 minute documentary "Return to the Forest" produced by CanazWest Pictures at your event or
donating to the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation on the World Elephant Day site.
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This is such a great post! Thanks for bringing awareness to this issue. I'm such a big lover of elephants and think more should be done for them. Beautiful creatures!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. Thanks so much for sharing. It's so important to spread the news and bring awareness for issues like this one. Thanks again :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this important information!So much informations here! WOW thanks!
ReplyDeleteI did not know about this day. Thanks so much for bringing this serious issue to the forefront of our consciousness. If it makes even one person think about what they do, it's worth it.
ReplyDeleteBesos, Sarah
Zookeeper at Journeys of The Zoo
What are their roles?
ReplyDeleteElephants are part of the eco-system because they have a role :) What elephants consume are returned to the soil has fertile manure, they dig water holes in dry riverbeds for other species to survive and many more things.
DeleteWe believe God creates things for a reason and takes it away for a reason, but it is not our right to destroy things rather preserve it. So killing elephants to take their ivory and body parts is not our right. Even if we aren't as individuals doing this, as a society we have to stop those who are threatening the animals.
Thank you Nolie for asking :)
Wow, what a wonderful way to bring awareness to this topic. Elephants are so shy, quiet, but so intelligent. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. Elephants are so beautiful and kind. What a great way to protect and create awareness.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing about our first ever World Elephant Day. Our biggest goal this year was to raise as much awareness about the plight of elephants as possible and advocates such as yourself are helping us achieve that goal. Us..and the elephants.. are forever grateful
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