Sponsor an Elephant

The extinction of mammoths, close relatives of contemporary elephants, was due to a combination of factors, including environmental changes. However, it was likely humans who dealt the final blow to these large mammals, as they relentlessly hunted them during prehistory. Today, African savanna elephants (Loxodonta africana africana), African forest elephants (Loxodonta africana cyclotis), and Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) are the last surviving members of the Elephantidae family, which appeared in the Miocene epoch. For how much longer? All three species are threatened due to habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as poaching. With their numbers plummeting since the 19th century, these beings with exceptional cognitive abilities (see sentience sheet) risk disappearing because of human madness, which targets them, especially for their ivory or when they cross cultivated fields. As for those surviving in captivity, they suffer the worst atrocities: exploited for carrying heavy loads, begging, tourism, processions, as in India, or violently trained to perform tricks in circuses.

Mathura Conservation and Care Center

We fight to protect the wild elephant population in India, end the illegal trade, and rescue captive individuals. In 2010, prompted by One Voice, our partner Wildlife SOS created an elephant conservation and care center in Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh, in collaboration with the local Forest Department. Nestled by the Yamuna River and surrounded by lush fields, the place is home to over twenty elephants rescued from extreme distress after years of abuse. Finally freed from heavy loads and the obligation to walk on hot pavements, the survivors can walk daily, scratch against trees, bathe, and play in the water as they please. They also receive quality food and veterinary care.