Recognizing the critical role elephants play in our ecosystem and the urgent need to protect them, the state of Tennessee has once again helped us declare August as “Elephant Awareness Month” across the state.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Lewis County Mayor Jonah Keltner, and Hohenwald City Mayor Danny McKnight have all signed an official proclamation encouraging citizens to join us in recognizing August as Elephant Awareness Month. “It is important for the public to be educated about the welfare of all species of elephants in captivity as well as in the wild,” the proclamation reads. “The Elephant Sanctuary continually sets and reaches goals to better the lives of elephants worldwide.”
Elephants are essential components of our environment. They have a profound impact on biodiversity, forest regeneration, and maintaining ecological balance. However, they face numerous challenges, including habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
During Elephant Awareness Month, The Sanctuary celebrates World Elephant Day, August 12, which aims to educate communities about elephants and the importance of protecting them and preserving their natural habitats. Each year, through various educational programs, events, and outreach initiatives, we seek to engage folks of all ages, inspiring a sense of responsibility toward wildlife conservation.
This year, The Elephant Sanctuary will be hosting Trunk Trivia on World Elephant Day, in person at The Elephant Discovery Center in downtown Hohenwald:
When: Saturday, August 12 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Where: 27 East Main Street, Hohenwald, TN
Questions will cover topics related to elephant biology, The Elephant Sanctuary, and conservation. There will be prizes too! If you can't make it to Hohenwald, you can also test out your trivia knowledge virtually all day on social media.
Take Action this World Elephant Day
World Elephant Day brings a significant opportunity to raise awareness about the conservation and welfare of elephants. If you are not able to join us at The Discovery Center on August 12, here are some impactful ways to participate and show your support on this special day, as well as throughout the month of August:
1. Educate yourself and others: Take the time to learn about the current challenges faced by elephants, including poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict. Share this information with your friends, family, and social media networks to spread awareness. You can also sign up to participate in one of the many Virtual Field Trip programs from our Education Team at The Sanctuary. Learn more about this and other Distance Learning opportunities here.
2. Support elephant conservation organizations like The Elephant Sanctuary! The Sanctuary also collaborates with many international partners, who work on the ground to protect elephants and their habitats and promote coexistence with local communities. See the list here.
3. Participate in local events: Check if there are any events or activities organized in your area to celebrate World Elephant Day. And don’t forget about Trunk Trivia at The Discovery Center if you are local to Middle Tennessee!
4. Use social media for advocacy: Share posts, photos, and videos about elephants on your social media platforms. Use hashtags like #WorldElephantDay to reach a broader audience and raise awareness about their conservation needs.
5. Avoid supporting elephant exploitation: Refrain from participating in activities that exploit elephants, such as riding, performing, or visiting facilities that do not prioritize the well-being and ethical treatment of the animals.
6. Support elephant-friendly tourism: When planning a visit to a zoo, nature park, or sanctuary in the US, look for Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and/or Association of Zoo and Aquariums certifications and accreditations to ensure you’re supporting facilities that exemplary animal welfare and care.
If you plan to travel to regions where elephants live, choose responsible tour operators and experiences that prioritize the welfare of elephants in their natural environments. Check out our international partner, Wild Welfare, for more resources on elephant and animal friends tourism.
7. Adopt an Elephant: Did you know that you can Adopt an Elephant at The Sanctuary? By donating to our Adopt an Elephant program, you become a partner is The Sanctuary’s efforts to provide the gift of home, herd, rest, refuge, and individualized care.
8. Reduce demand for ivory products: Avoid purchasing products made from ivory or any other wildlife-derived materials. Reducing demand helps decrease the incentives for illegal poaching and trade.
World Elephant Day is not just a one-day event but a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to protect and conserve these important species and their habitats. By taking action and spreading awareness, we can all contribute to the well-being and survival of elephants around the world.