Monday, September 9, 2013

Houston Zoo - Saving the World's Elephants



The elephant is one of Africa's most iconic species. It is in peril due to illegal poaching, habitat loss and conflict with local human communities. We need your help today to turn the tide and protect wildlife and communities in Africa.
  
Our goal is to raise $250,000 this fall in support of a wide range of programs in regions where our field partners are working on the ground to help elephants in the wild.

The Problem
Over 30 years ago, elephants numbered more than 1 million. Now, that number is only half. By 2025, elephants could be lost in a number of countries across Africa. One of the main threats to elephants is conflict with humans.

Where human and elephant populations overlap, problems often occur. Elephants raid crops, causing threats to villages and the livelihoods of farmers. Because of this, there is little political or community will to protect elephants. Without the support of local communities, poaching for the illegal ivory trade will continue to dramatically increase.

The Solution
We partner with conservation groups who work to reduce threats and promote harmony between people and wildlife. For example, posting beehives on fence lines wards off curious elephants and prevents crop raids.

We also support programs that hire local community members for anti-poaching efforts and to actively monitor and protect wild elephant populations. These programs support the livelihood of communities while also safeguarding elephants.

Our partners also identify and support innovative initiatives to prevent ivory trafficking and reduce demand for ivory products.

With your help, we can turn the tide against the illegal ivory trade and protect wildlife and communities in Africa.

What Can You Do?
Check out our online auction that opened today. Bid on your favorite items - all proceeds benefit elephant conservation


Get educated: attend our upcoming Elephant Open House to learn more about these incredible creatures and see them up close.

 
Attend the upcoming Feed Your Wildlife Gala and hear from Dr. Iain Douglas-Hamilton, founder of Save the Elephants.

 
Join us and other friends in Houston on a March for Elephants on October 4, starting at City Hall.

 

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