World Elephant Day 2021: Know The Date, History And Significance

World Elephant Day's objective is to support the conservation efforts and protection of these animals across the world.

Watching the 1971 movie Haathi Mere Saathi could be a dip into nostalgia. But our love for elephants and awareness of their exploitation should stretch beyond just a Hindi movie. World Elephant Day, which is observed every year on August 12, is one way of recognising the importance of the animal in our ecosystem and focussing on their preservation and protection. The first World Elephant Day was launched on August 12, 2012, to highlight the plight of Asian and African elephants. Poaching, habitat loss, conflict with humans and being mistreated in captivity are just some of the threats to African and Asian elephants. History The World Elephant Day was initiated on August 12, 2012, when Thailand-based Elephant Reintroduction Foundation teamed up with Canadian filmmaker Patricia Sims. This is not just a day but a movement in itself. Since 2012, Ms Sims has been leading World Elephant Day. The World Elephant Society, of which she is the founding president, manages World Elephant Day. Ms Sims' charitable organisation has, over the years, reached out to many people educating them on the plight of elephants and spreading awareness. Significance