Elephants are one of the world's most magnificent creatures. They are intelligent, compassionate, and pretty darn cute. However, even though these animals are so awe-inspring they are also in a lot of danger. There are only two species of elephants, Asian and African, and both species' populations are steadily decreasing. It is our job, as fellow Earth inhabitants, to help protect elephants and ensure their survival for years to come.
Elephants are crucial to their environment and ecosystem. African elephants play a large part in the creation and upkeep of the African landscape and life. Elephants dig waterholes, the paths they walk create openings that can help to stop a wild fire, and many more things that make life in Africa flourish.
In order for elephants to help their environment, they need one! Human population all over the world is constantly increasing, and with that we are slowly taking over the habitats of many animals including elephants. Human settlements have cut of portions of migratory routes that elephants have followed for generations, and now a lot of elephant populations are small and isolated.
Taking over their home and environment is not the only threat to elephants! The elephant population has decreased severely due to elephant hunting. Elephants have been hunted for their tusks, which are made of ivory. It has been estimated that at least 30,000 elephants are killed yearly for their tusks. With numbers as high as that, elephants can easily go extinct in the next 15-20 years!
It is our job to save the elephants. Educate yourself and others around you about the dangers that elephants face, and lend your hand to a mighty cause. A few simple ways you can help save the elephants include not purchasing items made of or using ivory in the design, buy elephant friendly coffee and wood (these products are often grown on plantations that are destroying elephant habitat), not supporting organizations, such as circuses and zoos, that have taken elephants in the wild and mistreat them, and by supporting conservation efforts. Many great organizations such as Ivory Ella and The Elephant Pants have created elephant centered clothing, bags, and jewelry to help educate the public. A percentage of proceeds go to an elephant conservation organization as well.
Lets do our part and help save the elephants!
