Saving the Giants: A Look into the Challenges and Triumphs of Elephant Conservation

 

Young elephant playing in mud paddles at David
Sheldrick wildlife trust, Nairobi Nursery. 

Imagine standing in the presence of one of the most majestic animals on earth, gazing into their wise and ancient eyes as they go about their day. Watching as they engage in playful behavior, reminiscent of human toddlers, yet exhibiting remarkable intelligence and emotional depth. Picture the awe and wonder that would wash over you as you learn about their complex social lives, their ability to use tools and solve problems, and their unique capacity for self-awareness and empathy.

This was my experience recently when I had the privilege of visiting an elephant sanctuary, an experience that has left me in awe of these gentle giants and their importance in the ecosystem. I was not only able to witness the playful antics of orphaned elephants but also learn about the harsh reality of the many threats facing elephants in the wild, such as poaching, habitat destruction, and human-elephant conflicts.

Upon arriving at the sanctuary, I was immediately struck by the playful behavior of the orphan elephants. These young elephants were engaged in all sorts of activities that reminded me of toddlers. They were feeding on milk bottles, rolling around in mud paddles, and even playing with each other. It was a heartwarming sight that truly highlighted the natural curiosity and joy of these animals. But it wasn't just their playful behavior that impressed me. What truly amazed me was observing their intelligence and emotional depth. As famous conservationist Jane Goodall said, "What sets elephants apart is their ability to be individuals, to think, to remember, to experience a wide range of emotions, and to communicate in complex ways."

This is evident in the complex social lives of elephants. They form close bonds with members of their herd and have been known to use tools and exhibit problem-solving abilities. They also possess remarkable memories, are capable of self-awareness, and exhibit empathy toward other elephants. They have been observed mourning their dead and showing signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. As famous conservationist David Attenborough said, "Elephants are among the most intelligent of all creatures on Earth. They have memories that span decades, they mourn their dead, they recognize themselves in mirrors, they are capable of empathy and they have language." These characteristics make elephants one of the most intelligent species on earth and underline their importance in the ecosystem.

Elephant poaching-slaughtered for tasks in Botswana.
Courtesy: Antarctica Journal

As I delved deeper into my tour of the sanctuary, I was confronted with the harsh reality of how we got to this point; the many threats facing elephants in the wild. Poaching for their ivory tusks, habitat destruction, and human-elephant conflicts are just a few of the challenges that elephants face. These issues not only threaten the survival of individual elephants but also the survival of entire populations. The African elephant population, for example, has decreased by around 90% in the last century, and the Asian elephant population has decreased by around 50% in the last three generations. The illegal trade of ivory, which is driven by demand in the black market, is one of the main reasons for the decline in the elephant population.

The Nairobi animal orphanage, particularly the Nairobi Nursery, is home to several elephants that have been rescued from difficult situations. Many of these elephants have been orphaned or have been harmed by human activities such as poaching and habitat destruction. The sanctuary provides a safe and nurturing environment for these animals to live their lives. They provide medical care, food, and enrichment activities to keep the elephants healthy and happy. They also work on conservation and education efforts to raise awareness about the plight of elephants and the importance of protecting them.

It was truly humbling to see the care and dedication of the staff and volunteers at the sanctuary, who work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of these magnificent animals. They are not only taking care of the individual elephants but also working towards the conservation of the species. The sanctuary provides education programs to the local communities and government agencies, and also works with law enforcement to combat poaching and the illegal trade of ivory.

Visiting an elephant sanctuary is an experience that I would highly recommend to anyone who has the opportunity. It's a chance to witness these incredible animals up close and learn about the important work being done to protect and conserve them. And it's not only to see the majestic elephants but also to support the cause of conservation and protection of the species. As the famous conservationist, Sir David Attenborough said, "The elephant is the most majestic of all animals, and it remains our critical duty to protect and preserve them for future generations to enjoy." As we continue to impact and damage the natural world, it's more important than ever to support conservation efforts and appreciate the magnificent creatures with whom we share this planet. It's our responsibility to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to see these magnificent animals in the wild.