5 days ago
They say the endearing elephant never forgets – and nor should we
They say that elephants never forget – so how could we fail to remember these loveable creatures on World Elephant Day?
Eugene the Elephant in Around the World in Eighty Days at Theatre by the Lake (Image: Submitted) The day brings global attention to the challenges elephants face and the importance of preserving their future.
Bradley Corkhill, a reception class pupil at St Gregory & St Patrick's Infant School, dressed as an elephant for World Book Day (Image: Newsquest) These majestic animals, known for their intelligence and emotional depth, are celebrated with the hope of ensuring they continue to thrive in the wild for generations to come.
Benjamin Clarke made an elephant mask in a workshop with artist John Parkinson at High Hesket School (Image: Newsquest) World Elephant Day was officially launched in 2012 by filmmaker Patricia Sims and the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation of Thailand. Since then, over 100 wildlife organisations and countless individuals around the world have joined the cause, making this day a significant moment in wildlife conservation.
Mr Elephant restaurant at the White Lion on High Cross Street, Brampton (Image: Newsquest) It highlights the urgent threats elephants face, including poaching, habitat loss, and mistreatment in captivity. Both African and Asian elephants are in jeopardy – African elephants are listed as Vulnerable, and Asian elephants as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Owner Mo Rammy (centre) with staff at Mr Elephant in Brampton (Image: Newsquest) Current estimates place the African elephant population at around 400,000, while Asian elephants have dwindled to just 40,000. Experts warn that if aggressive conservation steps aren't taken, both species could vanish within the next decade.
Elephant hawk moth caterpillars at the Hall Park Hotel in Workington (Image: Newsquest) The first World Elephant Day was accompanied by the release of a documentary titled Return to the Forest, narrated by William Shatner. The film focused on reintroducing captive elephants into the wild and set the tone for the day's mission.
A ceramic elephant in the feature window on the landing of a home on Asby Road, Asby (Image: Newsquest)
This initiative was co-created by Patricia Sims and Sivaporn Dardarananda, the secretary-general of the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation in Thailand.
Children enjoyed a morning creating their Elmer the Elephants to mark his second birthday at Whitehaven Library (Image: Newsquest) The idea took root in compassion, and has since grown into a powerful global movement. You can celebrate World Elephant Day by supporting ethical organisations like the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation, Save the Elephants, and the World Wildlife Fund. These groups work tirelessly to protect elephant habitats, prevent poaching, and ensure elephants live free from harm.
