Today is World Elephant Day! It takes place every year on August 12 to spread awareness, share knowledge, and provide solutions for better care and management of both captive and wild elephants.
Across Africa, it is estimated that one elephant is killed by poachers every 15 minutes. The global demand for ivory is still the principal driving force that is pushing elephants to the brink of extinction.
African elephants are the largest terrestrial animal left on the planet. They live in close-knit families, and develop lasting friendships. They mourn their dead, meet up for reunions, and go to extraordinary lengths to protect other, young and vulnerable elephants from harm.
The featured image is of baby Asian elephant ‘Clear Sky’ during a hydrotherapy session in Chonburi, Thailand in 2017. Separated from her mother in the wild, she was in dire need of milk and had lost part of her foot in a trap when she was found hobbling by villagers. Sessions in the water helped to strengthen the withered muscles in the hope she wouldn’t need an artificial leg. And if you haven’t seen them, you should just go google her because all the photographs are just TOO CUTE.
Have a good day, everyone!