The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is dedicated to wildlife conservation around the world. By supporting conservation projects and community education efforts, members of AZA are working to protect and preserve wildlife and wild places worldwide.
The information below highlights conservation projects and programs actively supporting elephants. You can choose to be part of
the solution to save elephants from extinction by learning about the current plights of wild elephant populations, and
you can choose to take action to help protect these species. Please read on to learn more...
The information below highlights conservation projects and programs actively supporting elephants. You can choose to be part of
the solution to save elephants from extinction by learning about the current plights of wild elephant populations, and
you can choose to take action to help protect these species. Please read on to learn more...
By the Numbers: Helping the Herd (2020 - 2022)
- 69 AZA members reported spending more than $6.2 million on African and Asian elephant conservation.
- Elephant conservation projects occurred in 29 countries and most frequently in Tanzania, India, and Malaysia.
- 37 AZA members reported spending more than $850,000 on African and Asian elephant research projects.
- More than 250 conservation and research projects were reported and mainly focused on disease/epidemiology, animal health, anti-poaching/patrolling, and habitat protection.
International Elephant Foundation
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The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is proud to support the work of the International Elephant Foundation. This group works to create a sustainable future for elephants. They generate and effectively invest resources to support elephant conservation, education, research, and management programs worldwide. Through their passion, expertise, knowledge, and partnerships, they inspire and engage people to ensure a vibrant future with elephants everywhere.
To learn more about the important work the conduct and the projects they support, visit them here. |
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Conservation Complexities
In situ elephant conservation (conservation action in the animal's natural habitat) is extremely complex and must take into account both human and animal needs. Although it can be complicated, there is still much that can be done. Visiting AZA accredited organizations with elephants provides opportunities to see these wonderful animals up close, learn about the species behaviors, health care needs, and natural history. One of the best ways to begin helping animals is to learn more about them.
In situ elephant conservation (conservation action in the animal's natural habitat) is extremely complex and must take into account both human and animal needs. Although it can be complicated, there is still much that can be done. Visiting AZA accredited organizations with elephants provides opportunities to see these wonderful animals up close, learn about the species behaviors, health care needs, and natural history. One of the best ways to begin helping animals is to learn more about them.
Knowing more equals doing more, right?
We know what to do, so why can’t we just do it?
Impact of economics
- Communicating facts and figures feels like the right thing to do. After all, as zoological professionals we pride ourselves in have the skills, knowledge, and expertise to provide exceptional care for elephants. But, if we only focus on telling others about statistics and data points of elephant conservation then we will not be effective in rallying others to join us in the conservation of wildlife and wild places.
- Using our unique opportunities to create engaging and memorable experiences is paramount to captivate our audience. Seeing animals up close, and spending time speaking with animal care professionals are the critical actions we can take to help people have a "wow" moment. It is these emotional connections that can lead people to take meaningful actions.
We know what to do, so why can’t we just do it?
- Some of the key stakeholders of a conservation project include the animals in question, their habitat, local and native people, local/national/international governments, local/global economies, cultural differences, and environmental impact, to name a few.
- As is often the case, everything is connected and making a change for one thing often has ripple effects on many other things. Some effects may be intended and expected, while other impacts may be unexpected or problematic.
- Even though we are zoological professionals and leaders in our field, we may not all see things the same way. However, we can agree on the importance and necessity of elephant conservation. There are different approaches that might all yield desired results, but they may be incompatible with each other. Dialogue, planning, communication, and research are some of the ways we can come together for the conservation of elephants.
Impact of economics
- In the United States, there has been a concerted effort to educate citizens on the importance of never buying ivory…period. However, the United States is the #2 country for the importation of elephant ivory. How can this be? Money talks, and if people are willing to buy it, ivory sales will continue even though it is illegal. It is critical that we continue to increase awareness that buying ivory kills elephants. It’s that simple.
- Ecotourism can be a blessing and a curse. Some tour operators are reputable and responsibly bring paying customers into close contact with wildlife. Fees from these programs directly support local communities and local conservation efforts. However, not every tourism company is the same. When done well, tour participants, local citizens, and local wildlife all benefit. When done poorly, local people and local habitats pay the price and can be exploited for monetary gain of the tour operators. It is critically important to choose your wildlife excursions carefully. Do your research and ask questions before you book. An African safari can be a life changing experience. Will you enrich your life at the expense of someone else? You have the power to make a difference, so, choose wisely.
- For more information about ecotourism Sustainable Travel International.
Conservation and Research
An important partnership
An important partnership
- Conservation and research often go hand-in-hand, or in this case trunk-in-hand. To develop solutions to problems, or even to simply learn more about a situation, research is necessary. Making observations, asking questions, gathering, and analyzing information helps bring clarity to previously unknown queries. Implementing a conservation program without sufficient research is not likely to result in successful outcomes. Furthermore, whether in situ or ex situ, there are many stakeholders impacted by conservation programs. This is why thoughtful consideration must be given to any elephant conservation project regardless of size, scale, or scope.
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EEHV - Elephant Herpes Virus
Ex-situ Elephant Conservation and Research Support: Using Science to Understand Zoo Elephant Welfare
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