They
may be some of the world's most adorably huge animals, but Asian elephants are
becoming more and more endangered today. In the past 100 years, severe hunting,
poaching and destruction of their natural habitat have put these lovable
creatures on The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species,
with as much as 90% of their population now gone. Elephant Family,
a UK-based organization, has taken up the rally cry to save the Asian elephants
and prevent further loss of their numbers.
Elephant
Family works with partners to protect the elephants' habitats in Asia, raise
awareness for the cause, prevent conflict with local communities and raise
funds for the conservation of elephants and other wildlife co-habiting with
them. The charity employs the help of local volunteers and non-government
organizations in the countries concerned to focus on three key areas: forest,
industry and trade. Elephant Family has been diligent in putting a stop to
ivory poaching, deforestation, elephant electrocution and deaths, and cruel
working conditions.
One
of the organization's innovative and highly popular campaigns has been "Date an
Elephant," wherein
supporters "date" an elephant by adopting it for a period of 12
months. This highly unique activity has earned plenty of supporters, including
Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie Windsor.