India is home to 50-60% of all of Asia’s wild elephants and about 20% of the domesticated elephants. As such, the country is of paramount importance for the survival of the species. The elephant plays a central role in Indian life and has done for many centuries. They are closely associated with religious and cultural heritage, playing an important role in the country’s history. They remain revered today. An India without elephants is simply unimaginable.

But today Asian elephants are listed as "Endangered" on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. One conservationist has stated that both African and Asian elephants face extinction within twelve years.

Why?

• Poaching: The demand for ivory, which is highest in China, 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. With the street value for ivory now exceeding that of gold, African elephants face a poaching epidemic.
• Habitat loss: The loss of habitat due to deforestation, increases in mining, and agricultural activities has become problematic, especially for Asian elephants. Asian elephants have lost nearly 30-40% of their habitat making it incredibly difficult to maintain their offspring and themselves.
• Mistreatment in captivity: A lack of legislation regarding the care and treatment of elephants in zoos, circuses, and tourism often leads to their mistreatment. Asian elephants are often illegally captured in the wild and trafficked into the lucrative tourism industry.

Today, on World Elephant Day, we pledge 5% of our sales on Hathi Pendant and Elephant Danglers to Save The Elephants.