According to statistics as many as 100 wild elephants die as a result of illegal poaching daily. Within our lifetime, elephants could face global extinction in the wild if current trends continue.
In the past decade, poaching for ivory has increased significantly. A 2014 study released by Save the Elephants shows that 100 000 African elephants were killed by poachers between 2010 and 2012.
Another report released by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), indicates that 20% of Africa’s elephants may be killed in the next 10 years, if poaching continues at current levels. Other research suggests that all African elephants could be extinct in the wild by 2025.
World Elephant Day was launched on 12 August 2012 by Canadian documentary filmmaker Patricia Sims and the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation of Thailand. Led by Sims, World Elephant Day is now supported by over 65 wildlife organisations and many individuals worldwide.
Visit worldelephantday.org for a comprehensive list of conservation organisations and to find out how to get involved.
