On Monday, communities around the globe celebrated World Elephant Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the protection of elephants from various threats.

At the Adventures with Elephants reserve in Bela Bela, South Africa, an annual event featured a herd of rescued elephants enjoying their day by grazing and cooling off in the water under the warm sun.

Sean Hensman, the managing director of the reserve, emphasized the significant pressures elephants face regarding their habitat. “It’s a day to celebrate elephants and reflect on the larger conservation picture,” he noted. “Elephants are under immense pressure due to land loss. Human populations are rapidly growing, with Africa expected to double to about 3 to 4 billion people by 2050, and this is diminishing the land available for elephants.”

David Mupupu, an elephant handler, pointed out the alarming decline in the population of African elephants since 1920. “In 1920, there were about 4 million elephants in Africa; today, there are only around 400,000 left, representing a staggering 90 percent decrease. We must take care of our elephants.”

The World Elephant Day Society highlights that both African and Asian elephants are increasingly threatened by poaching and habitat destruction. The organization aims to work alongside other conservation groups to develop effective strategies to combat poaching and protect these magnificent animals’ habitats.

Established in 2012, World Elephant Day is celebrated annually on August 12, serving as a vital reminder of the need for ongoing conservation efforts to ensure the survival of elephants for future generations.

In addition to the celebrations, various organizations and activists used World Elephant Day as an opportunity to educate the public about the challenges facing elephants. Workshops, online campaigns, and social media outreach highlighted the critical role elephants play in maintaining ecosystem balance and their cultural significance in many communities.

Many events also focused on fundraising efforts to support elephant conservation initiatives. These initiatives include anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration projects, and community-based conservation programs that engage local populations in protecting their wildlife heritage.

The ongoing threats to elephants, such as illegal ivory trade and habitat encroachment, underscore the urgency of collective action. Conservationists stress that public awareness and advocacy are crucial in driving policy changes that protect elephants and their habitats.

As the day came to a close, participants reflected on the importance of their role in safeguarding these gentle giants. “It’s not just about celebrating elephants today; it’s about committing to their protection every day,” said Hensman. “We must continue to raise our voices and take action to ensure that future generations can experience the beauty and majesty of elephants in the wild.”

World Elephant Day serves as both a celebration and a call to action, reminding us all that the survival of these iconic animals relies on our collective efforts and dedication to conservation.