#BeHerd Make your voice heard in support of the elephant population. Send a message that we are serious about stopping poaching worldwide.
On this World Elephant Day, 12 august, the goal continues to create awareness and urgency for the plight of African and Asian elephants. Sharing knowledge and positive solutions calls attention to better care and management of both captive and wild elephants.
According to the World Wildlife Fund, African elephants are listed as vulnerable with just over 400,000 remaining, while the status of Asian elephants is more grim and listed as endangered, with less than 50,000 remaining.
Through habitat loss, climate change and in use as entertainment, elephant populations are struggling. Poaching continues to escalate, and remains the primary threat to these great creatures. As its program title states, 96 Elephants continue to be killed daily in Africa for their ivory and meat. Asian elephants are often taken from their herds as babies and beaten to perform and entertain.
Should you like to protect elephants and keep them roaming their lands, donations can be made at WWF, WCS | 96 Elephants or STAE. There are also other ways to help your voice be heard.
I have been fortunate to have seen and traveled amidst African elephants in the wild. They are spectacular animals and watching them within their herds and habitats has been a privilege. Here's a sampling of my images.
Wildlife crossing: Elephants on the move in Mkhaya Game Reserve | Swaziland, Africa
Chow time: Elephant eating in Mkhaya Game Reserve | Swaziland, Africa
You have been warned: Elephant marking territory in Kruger National Park | South Africa
Profile: Up-close portrait of an elephant in Mkhaya Game Reserve | Swaziland, Africa
Photos: © Janet Giampietro.
