12/08/2026
Protecting Elephants, Preserving Our Future
Celebrated globally on August 12 as a reminder of the need to protect, care for, and conserve elephants. It brings together organisations around the world to address the growing threats these magnificent animals face—including poaching, habitat loss, human-elephant conflict, and mistreatment in captivity.
The elephant is loved, revered, and respected across cultures and generations. Yet, despite this deep connection, we stand at a critical point where the future of these extraordinary creatures remains under threat.
In 1990, Ibex Expeditions launched the first elephant safari in the forests of Kerala with the Govt of Kerala. We realised that the welfare and protection of elephants must come before tourism. Ibex made the decision to stop all activities involving elephants in tourism, except in National Parks.
Conservation organisations around the world are working towards stronger protection for wild elephants, improved enforcement to prevent the illegal poaching and trade of ivory, preservation of elephant habitats and corridors, better standards of care for captive elephants, and the reintroduction of captive elephants into safe, protected natural sanctuaries.
World Elephant Day calls on us to experience and support elephants only in non-exploitative, responsible, and sustainable environments—places where elephants can thrive with dignity, care, and protection.
Areas of Protection
Conservation & Corridors
Anti-Poaching Action
Human-Elephant Coexistence
Responsible Care
Finally, because the taming of wild elephants is brutal and inhumane, the sooner we say NO to elephant riding in tourism, the better. Ending demand will help reduce and ultimately stop the taming of elephants for tourism, while ensuring that those already in captivity receive proper care. The Responsible Tourism Society of India (RTSOI), established by our Founder Mandip Singh Soin, has partnered with Wildlife SOS to support elephant rehabilitation and work towards ending their use in tourism.
