World Elephant Day

World Elephant Day is observed on August 12 to spread global awareness about the threats faced by the elephants and recognise their role in ensuring ecological balance. It was first observed in 2012. The global initiative was led by the Thai-based Elephant Reintroduction Foundation and Canadian filmmaker Patricia Sims.
Elephants are highly vulnerable species, as there are just around 440,000 of these animals left. About 15,000 of them are killed by poachers annually. In India, most elephants are killed because electrocution, train accidents, poaching and poisoning. In the absence of conservation measures, their survival is adversely impacted.