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World Elephant Day 2026 Marks 15th Observance

12 August 2026National

World Elephant Day is observed on 12 August to raise awareness about the conservation and protection of elephants. 2026 marks its 15th observance. First held on 12 August 2012, it was co-founded by Canadian filmmaker and conservationist Patricia Sims and the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation of Thailand. According to recent estimates, there are approximately 400,000 African elephants and around 50,000 Asian elephants remaining in the wild, with numbers declining due to poaching and habitat loss. In India, the elephant is the Natural Heritage Animal, and Project Elephant was launched in 1992.

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World Elephant Day: 12 August (since 2012) | India's Natural Heritage Animal: Elephant | Project Elephant launched: 1992 | Asian elephant IUCN Red List status: Endangered

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World Elephant Day (12 August) 2026 marked its 15th observance, spotlighting elephant conservation against poaching and habitat loss.

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