INTRODUCTION
Zulu Name: Indlovu
Swahili Name: Tembo or ndovu
Scientific Name: Loxodonta africana
Size: Up to 11 feet
Weight: 31/2 - 61/2 tons (7,000 13,200 lb.)
Lifespan: 60 to 70 years
Habitat: Dense forest to open plains
Diet: Herbivorous
Gestation: About 22 months
Predators: Humans
The African elephant and the Asian elephant are the only two surviving
species of what was in prehistoric times a diverse and populous group of
large mammals. Fossil records suggest that the elephant has some unlikely
distant relatives, namely the small, rodent-like hyrax and the ungainly
aquatic dugong. They all are thought to have evolved from a common stock related to ungulates. In East Africa many well-preserved fossil remains of earlier elephants have aided scientists in dating the archaeological site of prehistoric man.
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ELEPHANT AS ANIMAL TOTEM
Elephant's Wisdom Includes:
* Strength
* Royalty
* Connection to ancient wisdom
* Removal of obstacles and barriers
* Confidence
* Patience
* Using educational opportunities
Find out more about working with animal totems:
Animal Spirits Core
Elephant Animal Totem
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ELEPHANT ORGANIZATIONS
African Elephant Conservation Trust
info@elephanttrust.org
The goal of the African Elephant Conservation Trust is the successful
conservation of Africa's elephants within the context of human needs and
pressures. Recognizing the crucial role of the long-term study of elephants
in Africa to the overall conservation process, the Trust will create,
maintain and manage an endowment fund to support the Amboseli Elephant Research Project and similar projects undertaken as part of the African Elephant Conservation Trust program.
African Wildlife Federation
africanwildlife@awf.org
-The African Wildlife Federation together with the people of Africa, works
to ensure the wildlife and wildlands of Africa will endure forever.
The Elephant Sanctuary
carol@elephants.com
The Elephant Sanctuary, founded in 1995, is the American nation's first
natural habitat refuge developed specifically for endangered Asian
elephants. It operates on 800 acres surrounded by a 3,000-acre buffer zone
in the town of Hohenwald, Tennessee - 65 miles outside of Nashville.
It exists for two reasons:
-To provide a haven for old, sick or needy elephants in a setting of green
pastures, old-growth forests, spring-fed ponds and a heated barn for cold
winter nights.
-To provide education about the crisis facing these social, sensitive,
passionately intense, playful, complex, exceedingly intelligent and
endangered creatures.
Lajuma Conservation Centre
lajuma@mweb.co.za
The Lajuma Conservation Centre in collaboration with the Kwa-Tuli Game Reserve offers a unique opportunity to students and persons of all ages interested in wildlife to participate in research on Elephant in Botswana.
ORGANIZATIONS WITH VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Elephant Information Repository
elephants@elephants.com
"This website is huge! There is information about Elephants; there are
Elephant Links, Suggested Elephant books, and Elephants news. It is
beautifully done, and dedicated to this immaculate creature."
Sunnie
Elephant Help Project
-This organization helps the "tourist" elephants in Thailand.
Siam Safari started up a fund together with Dusit Laguna in 1996. The fund is called "Elephant Help Project" and the project is focusing on the welfare of Phukets tourism elephants. We raise our funds through donations and from people participating in Siam Safaris nature tours.
The Elephant Hospital Society
elephanthospitalsociety@hotmail.com
-This is a hospital for sick and wounded elephants in Thailand. Following is a letter received from a worker there:
Hello, my name is Janique Von Kanel. I am 32 years old and originally from Switzerland. I have worked with animals for 20 years, including dogs and cats, farm stock, and racing horses. I am currently working to save the elephants of Thailand. Your help is very much needed.
The Thai Elephant Conservation Center (TECC) in Lampang, Thailand is the official site for retired and unemployed elephants owned by the government of Thailand. Approximately 50 elephants live at the camp at any time, some of which entertain tourists through shows and educational programs. The center also operates an elephant hospital for sick or injured animals, and it assists in a mobile veterinary project to aid Thai farmers with their elephants. The hospital is currently treating 10 elephants and desperately needs money to continue its work. The saddest patients that the hospital treats are the victims of landmines.
Three different elephants have been brought to the center over the last two years with parts of their legs blown off by these hideous relics of war. The 3 veterinarians of the hospital do an amazing job in treating these animals with very little funding. They work long hours in challenging conditions but many times lack basic materials. The hospital has no X-ray machine, resuscitator, or EKG equipment. The most urgent problem is the access to clean water. The water currently used is pumped from a nearby lake, which can be contaminated with everything from chemical pollutants to human waste. Clean water is the most vital necessity to any hospital. We are currently attempting to raise $11,000 (US) to purchase a new clean water pump and filtration system for the TECC Elephant Hospital. Any donation, large or small would be appreciated. The project is also accepting the donation of used books, profits from the sale of which will go directly to the elephant hospital.
Save the Elephants
save-eleph@net2000ke.com
-Mission Statement: It is our mission to secure a future for elephants and to sustain the beauty and ecological integrity of the places where they live; to promote man's delight in their intelligence and the diversity of their world, and to develop a tolerant relationship between the two species.
Save the Elephants (STE) approaches conservation from an elephant's
perspective. We believe elephants deserve special respect from humanity
because they are sensate beings with a higher order consciousness, and we
intend to safeguard their future in an increasingly insecure world. *
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Conservation
rc-h@africaonline.co.ke
- Since its inception in 1977 the Trust has played an extremely significantand important role in Kenya's conservation effort, speaking out. when necessary on controversial issues and stepping in unobtrusively and rapidly to bridge a gap or meet a shortfall during times of economic constraint.
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a small flexible charity, established
in memory of David Sheldrick, famous Naturalist and founder Warden of
Kenya's giant Tsavo East National Park in which he served from 1948 until
1976. Six Trustees assisted by an Advisory Committee of practical
Naturalists with a lifetime experience of African conditions oversee and
direct the operations of the Trust.
Since its inception in 1977 the Trust has played an extremely significant
and important role in Kenya's conservation effort, speaking out. when
necessary on controversial issues and stepping in unobtrusively and rapidly
to bridge a gap or meet a shortfall during times of economic constraint.
Because in life David strongly censored the extravagance of exorbitant
overheads, the Trust places great emphasis on minimal expenditure in this
respect, thereby true to his example and ensuring that donations reach their
target in the most practical and positive way.
Riddle's Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary
elephantfarm@alltel.net
-At Riddle's Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary, we are implementing a sensibleand effective strategy for preserving and expanding the number of elephants throughout the world. We are caring for a group of genetically different
elephants so that we can study their reproduction habits, teach proper elephant management techniques, and provide a home for elephants which need a home for any reason.
In the past few years, people throughout the world have become aware of the destruction of the world's elephant population. If something is not done
soon to alter this course of events and to increase reproduction, this
generation may be the last to see, appreciate and work with elephants.
Elephants have been, are, and will continue to be important to people
throughout the world. We marvel at their splendor and recognize the great
void that would be felt in the absence of the relationships that have
existed for thousands of years between humans and elephants. It is easy for
us to agree that the elimination of the Asian and African elephant species
is unacceptable, but what can we do about it? The problem often seems too
far away, too complex to understand, and too large to resolve. We provide a
safe, permanent place for elephants regardless of their species, gender,
physical or psychological condition, size, temperament, or degree of
training.
At Riddle's Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary, we are implementing a sensible
and effective strategy for preserving and expanding the number of elephants
throughout the world. We are caring for a group of genetically different
elephants so that we can study their reproduction habits, teach proper elephant management techniques, and provide a home for elephants which need a home for any reason. We provide a safe, permanent place for elephants regardless of their physical or psychological condition, size, temperament, or degree of training. Every elephant contributes to the social structure of the herd, while living out its life in a safe and secure environment. We educate the public, particularly children, about the importance of safeguarding endangered animal species in order to maintain a balance in, Nature. Accomplishing our goals requires us to be conservationists,
educators, and scientists.
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ORGANIZATIONS WITH EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Asian Elephant Conservation
ecearth@samart.co.th
-A "Mobile Elephant Clinic" with experienced veterinarians is one of the most effective ways to help save the Elephants, and this is what this organization does.
What problems are elephants facing here in Thailand?
*Loss of natural habitat. 50 years ago 60% of Thailand was covered by forest, that figure is now below 20% and is still falling due to illegal logging and encroachment. Wild elephants only survive in a few national parks with limited genetic interchange. Conflicts with people often result in more elephant deaths.
* Logging was banned in 1989, and there is little use for elephant power
in the modern world. Elephants with their mahouts (keepers) have taken to
begging in the streets of major cities. Tourism may help but exploitation
often results.
*Elephants are slow and difficult to breed, only about 4 offspring in a life
time, male elephants can be aggressive and dangerous at certain times (when in musth), few offspring are born, the young may be mistreated and die.
*Elephants often die needlessly due to accidents, injuries, illnesses,
conflicts with man when they are shot dead instead of tranquilized. People experienced in looking after elephants are getting fewer every years. Well over 100 elephants will die this year in Thailand.
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ELEPHANT RELATED LINKS
Elephant Photos
Elephant World
"A page with links to many Elephant related sites. A lot of great
information!"
Sunnie
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HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BOOKS
Animal-Speak: The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great and Small
by Ted Andrews
" Those who have the elephant as totem will usually find themselves in a
position where the opportunity to reestablish powerful family and societal
ideals will occur. Mutual care of the young, respect for the elderly and the
sick, being strong in your own self – these are the foundations of a great
person or a great society. If the elephant has come to you, you will have
the opportunity to work toward establishing this within your own life or the
lives of others. If elephant has come to you, prepare to draw upon the most
ancient of wisdom and power. You will have an opportunity to either help
yourself or other reclaim your most primordial royalty." –Ted Andrews
Isilwane, The Animal Tales and Fables of Africa
by: Credo Mutwa
"Reincarnation of Murdered Gods
African people regard the elephant with a very deep reverence. It is an
animal believed to be more than just a beast – it is considered a spiritual
entity. The Zulu, Tswana and Tsonga names for the elephant all mean "the forceful one," "the unstoppable one." In Zulu the name for elephant is Indlovu, from the verb dlovu, which means, "to crash through," "to pierce savagely," to
"act with extreme brute force." The Tswana and Sotho word for elephant,
tlou, and the Tsonga word, njovu, also carry this meaning.
Africans believed many strange things about elephants. They believed that
elephants lived for hundreds of years and were reborn again and again in
some magical way. This is why an elephant grew a new mouthful of teeth once the first set had worn out. Many tribes used the elephant as the symbol of the great belief in reincarnation and in the transmigration of souls.
African people believed that elephants were reincarnations of murdered Gods; Gods who had been treacherously slain by other Gods in the unseen land and who were reborn on Earth as elephants. Ivory was the purest substance known next to fire. There was the belief that ivory was neither bone nor any other earthly substance, but something that proved the god-like nature of the souls inhibiting elephants – a substance that proved elephants were really reincarnations of Gods murdered in heaven.
Just before the outbreak of World War 2, there roamed upon the plains of
Tanzania an elephant with tremendous tusks. Africans in the area in which
this particular elephant was found went to great lengths to protect the
beast from white hunters and poachers. Africans were prepared to give their lives to protect this great elephant Ishe, which is the Tanzanian word for Jesus.
I do not know what happened to this great elephant, Ishe. I sometimes hope
that it lived to a ripe old age and passed on peacefully into the land of
shadows. In fact, after World War 2, I met a man in Dar Es Salaam who
claimed to have seen Ishe's skull resting in a deep valley, bleached by the
Tanganyikan sun. He assured me that there was ample proof that the great
beast had not fallen prey to poachers or hunters. It had died of natural
causes because of its great tusks, although cracked and disintegrating, were
still attached to the skull, and the rest of its skeleton, although picked
clean by vultures and other scavengers, was intact. When I heard that I
breathed a sigh of relief. Old Ishe had died a peaceful death.
The bushman people of Southern Africa have a complex and very beautiful
mythology. One of the most colourful aspects is a belief in a great rain
beast. They portray the beast either as a great elephant, with raindrops of
white paint all over its body, or as a great, pregnant female rhinoceros or
hippopotamus, which releases rain whenever it is about to give birth.
According to bushman belief, and beliefs of African nations, if the land is
gripped by a great drought and people dream of stampeding elephant or
rhinoceros, rain will fall on the land. Elephant, hippopotamus and
rhinoceros have the magical gift of not only being able to dig for water
(which elephants do very efficiently), but also of calling rain from the
sky."
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ELEPHANT POPULATION STATUS REPORT
The Status of Kenya's Elephant Populations, September 1999
KWS Report Executive Summary
J. King, P. Kahumbu, P. Omondi & I. Douglas-Hamilton
Total aerial counts of several key elephant populations have been conducted in 1999 as part of the Kenya Wildlife Service initiative to establish the status of Kenya's elephants. These baseline data will allow KWS to monitor the effects of recent changes in the conservation status of elephants and the partial re-opening of the trade in ivory, on illegal killing of elephants. Five aerial surveys have been conducted this year and in four of the sites fresh elephant carcasses were observed which showed evidence of recent poaching. The number of recent carcasses seen in Samburu/Laikipia, Nasalot/South Turkana and the Tsavo ecosystem were higher than for the previous count. The KWS elephant mortality record suggests a slight increase
in poaching overall since 1998, with the most serious threats facing elephants in Marsabit, Nasalot/South Turkana and Tsavo East and West National Parks. Intelligence reports and other sources of information indicate that there is more poaching and illegal trade in ivory than is evident from the survey data and mortality records. Although the situation is not alarming it does call for close monitoring.
In the Tsavo ecosystem, however, there is direct evidence of an increase in
poaching for ivory. Tsavo East and West National Parks are home to over one
third of the country's elephants. A total count in January found six fresh
carcasses, two of which were poached. By the end of August, the total
mortality figure had risen to 41, of which 73% were poached for their ivory.
This is the highest level of poaching this decade and exceeds by five times
the annual average for 1992-1998! Equally alarming, a KWS ranger was shot
and killed by poachers in July. Security forces are on the alert; one poaching gang was arrested in Tsavo West in August, while two other known gangs are still at large.
The Tsavo elephant population is recovering from devastating reductions in
the 1980's when a population of 45,000 was reduced to about 5,000
individuals. The initial rate of recovery was rapid at 5% per year, but has
now dropped to 2% per year even though the population is still only a
fraction of it's former size.
The situation in the Tsavo ecosystem may be the first hint of advancing
threats to elephant populations elsewhere in East Africa, and these early
warning signs should be carefully examined in this and other sites before
further legal ivory sales are considered. Kenya cannot risk a return to the
horrors of the 1970's and 1980's when 88% of her elephants were slaughtered.
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CREDITS
Site research by Sunnie Lindell
Site construction by Dwayne Edward Rourke
Photos provided with permission from:
FotoClipArt
Born Free
The Elephant Hospital Society
As a convenience, our site links to other sites that may be of interest to you but are not under our control. These links do not imply an endorsement by Ann Mortifee and we are not responsible for the availability of or the content contained in any linked site.