World Elephant Day is celebrated to bring attention to the urgent plight of Asian and African Elephants. Act Now!

"All tourist attractions that breed elephants for commercial purposes and promote direct contact with elephants, including rides, shows or tricks, should be avoided."

Act Now To End Wildlife Trade

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What is World Elephant Day?

On August 12, 2012, the first occasion of World Elephant Day was launched to bring attention to the urgent plight of Asian and African Elephants. The elephant is loved, revered and respected by people and cultures around the world. Yet, we balance on the brink of seeing the last of this magnificent creature in the wild in two huge continents where man and elephant relations are ancient yet distinct.

The decline in Elephant Population

Elephant numbers have reportedly declined by 62% over the last decade. Some estimates say they could be mostly exterminated by the end of the next decade if urgent protective actions are not undertaken. An estimated 100 African elephants are killed each day by poachers seeking ivory, meat and body parts, leaving only 400,000 remainings.

World Elephant Day - an urgent need to protect elephants. Are you with us? Click on the images below and sign up to make a change.

The appalling cruelty inflicted on Asian elephants over decades to meet growing demands from the tourism industry for elephant rides and shows is now spreading throughout southern Africa. If left unchecked hundreds, more African elephants will face lifetimes of cruelty and abuse for tourist entertainment.

elephant cruelty, elephants at Amer Fort

Elephants suffer in the name of entertainment. Elephant rides are a popular and lucrative tourist activity. Still, behind the scenes, the animals are taken from their mothers, their spirit is broken, and they endure cruel and stressful ‘training’ to make them tolerate being ridden. Take action now!

Elephant walking uphill with people on its back at Amer Fort, India - World Animal Protection

Elephants at Amer Fort in Rajasthan, India, are often controlled with bullhooks which cause wounds and scarring. They carry heavy seats for tourists to sit on, which aggravates injuries and causes severe muscle strain. Yet, they are forced to give rides hour after hour. Day after day. For years and years.

Elephants are protected under law in India, but a loophole in the law is being used to exploit these elephants. Do you want to protect these elephants? We recommend that the exemption to live elephants given in Section 40 of the Wildlife Protection Act be withdrawn and all live elephant trade be stopped immediately. This will help stop the illegal trade of wild elephants.

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