World Elephant Day in Zoos (20/06)

Every year on June 20, animal rights activists call for attention to the problems of elephants — of the most majestic animals of our time. For the first time, World Day of Action for Elephants in Zoos (IDAEZ) was celebrated in 2009, at the same time activists of the movement identified their main tasks, the main one of which is the release of all elephants in the world from captivity. Since then, this Day has been celebrated annually.

Elephants, the largest land mammals, are designed for open spaces. These highly developed animals unite into large families with close relationships, communicating with each other even at a distance. They travel several kilometers a day, covering deserts, rivers, forests and savannas. In captivity, they find themselves deprived of all this and, ultimately, live an inferior life — solely so that people have the pleasure of seeing the giants with their own eyes.

In addition, elephants often suffer from brutal training methods that are still used in some regions. Among other things, steel hooks are used, for example, which should force the animal to submit to humans.

On Elephant Day in zoos, animal rights activists organize a variety of educational events, telling people about elephants, their usual lifestyle and how difficult it is for them in captivity. In the United States of America, this action has been held for several years and has managed to bring the first results. About 20 US zoos have closed or are planning to close elephant pavilions; 11 zoos have moved 14 elephants to nature reserves created specifically for these animals.

In captivity, elephants find themselves deprived of a lot and, ultimately, live an inferior life (Photo: © majaFOTO /Photobank Photojenica)

Elephant Protection Day in zoos is not included in the official list. However, its initiators are going to fight for the UN to formally include it in the date calendar.

By the way, September 22 is celebrated as another Elephant Day. It is dedicated to all the elephants in the world, not just those kept in zoos.

Some interesting facts about elephants are: — In addition to being the largest living land mammal on the planet, elephants last 22 months in female elephants, the longest period of time for carrying cubs of any animal. In this case, only one cub weighing up to 100 kg is born. — An elephant eats up to 450 kg of plant foods per day and drinks up to 300 liters of water. And because he eats so much, his teeth change 6-7 times in his entire life. — Elephants are considered to have a well-developed emotional sphere — they can experience various feelings: sadness, joy, empathy, sadness and even depression. By the way, elephants — are the only animals that have a burial ritual. — Elephants are also known to be right-handed and left-handed, depending on which tusk they work more often. Because of this, they usually have one tusk shorter than the other — the worker wears out faster. — Elephants are excellent swimmers, but cannot jump, so they simply step over or bypass an obstacle.

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