World Elephant Day

The demand for ivory, which is highest in China,[21][22][23][24][25] leads to the illegal poaching of both African and Asian elephants. For example, one of the world's largest elephants, Satao, was recently killed for his iconic tusks.[26][27] Another iconic Kenyan elephant, Mountain Bull, was also killed by poachers, and with the street value for ivory now exceeding that of gold,[28][29] African elephants face a poaching epidemic.[30][31] Elephants are also poached for meat, leather, and body parts, with the illegal wildlife trade putting elephants increasingly in danger, because it is perceived to be a low risk and high profit endeavor.[32][33][34] Poachers are often considered trained for this activity due to the amount of tools needed to be transported as well as the large size of these animals.

The loss of habitat due to deforestation, increases in mining, and agricultural activities has become problematic, especially for Asian elephants.[35][36] The fragmentation of habitat also creates isolation - this makes breeding more difficult, and allows poachers to find the elephants and set traps more easily.[37] Asian elephants have lost nearly 30-40% of their habitat making it incredibly difficult to maintain their offspring and themselves.

Human-elephant conflict is a significant concern, as human populations increase and forest cover decreases, forcing elephants into close proximity with human settlements.[38] Incidents include crop damage and economic losses, as well as both elephant and human casualties.[39]

A lack of legislation regarding the care and treatment of elephants in zoos, circuses, and tourism often leads to their mistreatment.[40][41][42] Captivity can be a serious threat to elephants, and Asian elephants are often illegally captured in the wild and trafficked into the lucrative tourism industry.[43][44]

Many notable celebrities have spoken out about the urgency of elephant protection, including Leonardo DiCaprio,[45] Kristin Davis,[46] William Shatner,[47] Yao Ming,[48] Prince William,[49] Jorja Fox,[50] Alec Baldwin,[51] Stephen Fry,[52] Ashley Judd,[53] Jada Pinkett Smith,[54] Kathryn Bigelow,[55] and politicians such as Barack Obama,[56] and Hillary and Chelsea Clinton.[57][58]