Maybe you already know that elephants have good memories. But do you know that elephants are social creatures? They sometimes “hug” by wrapping their trunks together in displays of greeting and affection. Let us celebrate elephants by commemorating the World Elephant Day on 12 August!

There are three species of elephants that are currently recognized. The African bush elephant, the African forest elephant, and the Asian elephant. African elephants are listed as “Vulnerable” and Asian elephants as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List of threatened species.

World Elephant Day is an international annual event dedicated to the preservation and the protection of all elephants. It was first celebrated on 12 August 2012 by Canadian filmmakers Patricia Sims and Michael Clark, and by Sivaporn Dardarananda, Secretary-General of the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation in Thailand, a non-profit conservation organization whose goal is to re-introduce captive elephants into their natural habitat. Today, the World Elephant Day is supported by over 65 wildlife organizations.

You could celebrate the World Elephant Day by helping to promote and spread the awareness of elephant conservation efforts. Some of the zoos will also hold special events. Contact your local zoo to find out! You could also celebrate the World Elephant Day by donating to one of the dedicated organizations working to save elephants. Or even better, join one of those organizations as a volunteer! You could also celebrate the World Elephant Day as simple as by sharing your love and concern for elephants on your social media!

What about you? Do you love elephants? What is your favorite fact of elephants? Tell us!