Tomorrow, August 12, 2024, marks World Elephant Day, an international observance dedicated to celebrating elephants and raising awareness about the crucial need to protect these magnificent creatures. In honor of this significant day, Tennessee's Speaker of the House, Cameron Sexton, along with Representative John Ray Clemmons, has signed a proclamation recognizing the importance of World Elephant Day both in Tennessee and globally.
The proclamation emphasizes, “Elephants are a keystone species; if a keystone species disappears through extinction or removal, the entire ecosystem changes drastically, as other species rely on the keystone species for survival.” This highlights the vital role elephants play in maintaining ecological balance and the urgent need for their protection.
Additionally, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Lewis County Mayor Jonah Keltner, and Hohenwald City Mayor Danny McKnight have declared August as Elephant Awareness Month, reinforcing the state's commitment to elephant conservation. This initiative serves as a reminder of the important work being done at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, which provides a safe haven for elephants and advocates for their welfare worldwide.
“We commemorate World Elephant Day on August 12, 2024, a day when Tennesseans and people across the globe are encouraged to learn more about elephants and the invaluable efforts of The Elephant Sanctuary and other sanctuaries dedicated to their protection,” the proclamation states.
The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, located in Hohenwald, is recognized in the proclamation for its dedication to the care of elephants and its pivotal role in educating the public about the challenges these species face in the wild. We are grateful to our local and state representatives for their help in raising awareness.
As we celebrate World Elephant Day, we invite everyone to join us in supporting ongoing efforts to protect elephants both in human care and in the wild. Together, we can ensure a future where elephants thrive and continue to play their essential role in our ecosystem.
For more information about World Elephant Day and our collaboration with Waco Mammoth National Monument, please visit www.elephants.com.