To say nothing of clockwork, some days, like the birthdays of loved ones, April 16th is Save The Elephants Day, and the gentle pachyderms come to mind! I wish I could be out in some sanctuary, washing and helping care for them.
The Plight of Elephants
The horrors we bring to elephants, from zoochosis for zoo elephants (and all animals, except the ones that can no longer be released into the wild) to poaching and beyond. It is time for us to think of ALL wildlife, and definitely elephants, both in the wild and trapped in zoos that are essentially varying degrees of horror shows for them.
We can fight in a positive way without being pessimistic. Here are a few things to do:
- If you have to visit zoos and sanctuaries, make sure they are treating ALL animals well, that the animals belong there – not elephants in Alaska, or Polar Bears in Arizona for example, and have ample space to lead a peaceful life, and may not otherwise people be able to survive in the wild.
- Never encourage the illicit trade of animal body parts. This only makes poaching much worse. Ivory is a grim example of an instance that endangers the lives of elephants.
- Fight deforestation and climate science, which make life very difficult for these wonders of nature and for us.
- Be aware of wildlife issues, flora or fauna, elephants or not, and spread awareness of wildlife issues so more people can participate in caring for elephants, other animals, plants, fungi and all species!
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