As we commemorate World Elephant Day, it’s time for us to champion the cause of preserving these magnificent creatures in our ever-evolving world.
We are responsible for the well-being of the present generation of elephants and those that will follow, ensuring that they continue to thrive alongside these incredible animals.
The journey of caring for a young elephant begins long before they take their first steps on this planet. Elephants boast the lengthiest gestation period among all mammals, spanning 22 months.
During this period, their mothers offer nurturing care from within, braving harsh conditions like droughts and floods, traversing vast distances, and grappling with the challenges of a wild animal’s life.
Once born, the baby elephant promptly receives assistance from their mother and other caretakers to stand up.
This marks the initial phase of a lifetime filled with support and affection these elephants receive from their families for years to come.
In a sanctuary setting, elephants can relish the warmth and care of a devoted family throughout their entire existence.
The Orphans’ Project aims to establish a loving family structure for rescued elephants. Elephants have developed intricate family units over many years, crucial to their identity, much like their migratory routes passed down through generations. However, these vital aspects are under threat due to human activities.
The recent report from the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, backed by governments worldwide, underscores how our actions contribute to rising temperatures and sea levels, resulting in extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and heat waves.
Additionally, we are rapidly eradicating habitats to accommodate agriculture, industries, and urbanization.
As climate change unfolds, elephants must adapt to its effects, potentially altering their behavior and migrating to different areas for survival.
We must comprehend the impact of climate change on these majestic animals and take concrete steps to shield them from harm.
During drought, animal families undertake arduous journeys in search of sustenance. Unfortunately, wildlife bears the brunt of our actions, with elephants particularly vulnerable.
This has been observed firsthand through fieldwork and the rescue of orphaned elephants like Emoli, who suffered from drought.
Lemeki was separated from her family during a flood, and Ziwadi endured physical and psychological trauma due to human-wildlife conflict.
These are just a few of the stories of orphans given a second chance by our organization.
Fencing off critical wildlife boundaries can effectively reduce conflicts between humans and animals.
Our organization has a dual mission: rescuing orphaned elephants in Kenya and ensuring a sustainable future for them and their species.
Elephants live for over 70 years, so it’s imperative to envision the world we want to pass on to them, just as we do for our children.
Through various field projects, we safeguard crucial habitats, eliminate threats to conservation efforts, provide life-saving medical care to wildlife, and develop solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change with daily tangible impacts.
One magnificent elephant, stranded in a community area for an extended period, was relocated to a protected zone to ensure its well-being and safety.
When burned to create charcoal, it diminishes the number of trees available to absorb carbon and, when done illegally, can result in devastating bushfires. Staying optimistic and striving for progress is vital, as witnessed in the ivory poaching crisis.
Despite the peak in elephant poaching in Kenya in 2012, with 384 elephants killed for their ivory, legislative measures were enacted, ivory markets were closed, and dedicated conservation efforts garnered global support.
Consequently, there has been a 97% decline in poaching in less than a decade, with a record low of only 11 elephants in 2020. While every loss remains tragic, this progress underscores the impact of collective action.
Let’s unite and reaffirm our commitment to conservation on World Elephant Day. It’s not merely about safeguarding the current generation of these majestic beings but also about securing a bright future for those who follow.
Elephants have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to care for their own, and now it’s our turn to step up and extend our assistance.
We must heed this call to action, working towards a world where orphans like Emoli, Lemeki, and Ziwadi can thrive, ensuring that future generations can cherish the privilege of encountering elephants in the wild.
