Celebrate the past, present, and future of elephants. Today, August 12, The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee is excited to share something special in honor of this important day for elephant conservation!
Join us by exploring the fascinating world of elephants, both ancient and modern, with an exclusive interview with Dr. Lindsey Yann, a paleontologist from Waco Mammoth National Monument in Waco, Texas, and Ranger Brandon Kenning. Along with The Sanctuary's Senior Manager of External Relations, Todd Montgomery, they guide us on a virtual tour of the mammoth dig site and discuss the remarkable connections between prehistoric mammoths and today's elephants!
Columbian mammoths, standing as tall as 14 feet and weighing up to 20,000 pounds, once roamed the lands now known as Texas. The fossil specimens at Waco Mammoth National Monument are unique — representing the nation’s first and only recorded evidence of a nursery herd of Ice Age Columbian mammoths.
In the interview, Dr. Yann answers questions from YOU, our supporters, and shares insights into the significance of the Waco Mammoth National Monument, where the preserved remains provide invaluable clues about our planet's past. Ranger Brandon showcases the mammoth fossils in their original locations within the protected dig shelter.
This interview is part of our ongoing efforts to educate and inspire action for elephant conservation. Dr. Yann highlights how "the present really informs the past, and hopefully, the past can strengthen the understanding of why it's so important to preserve and protect the animals we have today."
Learn about the challenges faced by mammoths and their modern relatives, and discover how you can contribute to their future. Thank you for your continued support in protecting elephants worldwide. Together, we can ensure these incredible animals thrive for generations to come!
To learn more about Waco National Monument, visit their website here. The dig shelter is open to in-person visitors, or you can explore it virtually online.
Special thank you to the National Park Service for their collaboration in honoring the past, present, and future of elephants.