Today is World Elephant Day, when we celebrate the captivating giants that roam Africa and Asia and their vital role in healthy ecosystems. These iconic and massive animals shape entire landscapes and act as stewards for forests, and the wonder that they inspire has made them one of the most recognizable animals on Earth. In addition to marveling at elephants, today is also a day to give thanks to those who have made it their mission to ensure these remarkable animals have a brighter future.
African elephant with calf
Established by WCN and Save the Elephants in 2013, the Elephant Crisis Fund (ECF) invests in the best initiatives to safeguard the future of elephants by supporting projects that promote human-elephant coexistence, end the ivory crisis, and secure elephant habitat. To date, the ECF has granted over $36 million to more than 470 projects protecting elephants across 44 countries. Thanks to years of combined effort from the ECF, its grantees, and other collaborators, ivory poaching is no longer the primary threat to Africa’s elephants. But new dangers have developed in the form of increased habitat loss and a sharp rise in conflict between elephants and people over dwindling space and resources. To reduce human-elephant conflict, the ECF supports projects like that of Conservation South Luangwa (CSL). The members of CSL’s Rapid Response Unit put themselves in harm’s way to promote harmony and de-escalate tense situations involving elephants and Zambian communities. Read more about these incredible first responders in the ECF’s midyear update about protecting elephants.
The Conservation South Luangwa Rapid Response Unit
Across the Indian Ocean in Borneo, Seratu Aatai protects the Bornean elephant and its shrinking forest habitat. Only about 1,500 Bornean elephants remain in the wild, with most living in the state of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. As more forest has been cleared for agricultural development, elephant populations have become more fragmented and have fewer resources. Seratu Aatai goes to great lengths to promote coexistence between these elephants and the many communities in Sabah who increasingly come into closer contact among Borneo’s dwindling forests. By encouraging these communities to join their Elephant Guardian Alliance, Seratu Aatai is making them key contributors to Bornean elephant conservation.
Whether you’re a ranger, a member of a local community, or a lover of elephants on the other side of the world, everyone can be an elephant conservationist and help build a better tomorrow for these beautiful giants. We’re honored to have Save the Elephants, Seratu Aatai, and the Elephant Crisis Fund in our Network, and hope you’ll join us in supporting their amazing work. Happy World Elephant Day!