Asian Elephants: Protecting a Vulnerable Species
The Asian Elephant is native to much of Asia and parts of India. Once widespread, their populations have plummeted due to habitat loss, human-elephant conflict, and poaching. Today, fewer than 50,000 Asian elephants remain in the wild across their vast range. In many regions, Asian elephants play a crucial role in local villages, where they assist with various tasks, forging a deep bond between humans and elephants.
In recent years, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has recognized the importance of managing elephants living in villages as part of the wild herds. Since elephants in human care and those in the wild produce offspring together, ensuring their health and well-being is essential to the survival of the species.
Our Conservation Commitment:
At the Topeka Zoo, we are committed to protecting the health and genetic integrity of both wild and human-associated Asian elephants through the following efforts:
Veterinary Support in Sumatra
The Topeka Zoo funds the full cost of equipping and fielding a full-time veterinarian in Sumatra. This veterinarian’s critical role is to travel between villages housing elephants to provide medical care, treat injuries, and address any health concerns these elephants may face.
Protecting Genetic Health
By keeping the village elephants healthy, we help safeguard the genetic flow between wild elephants and those in human care. This ensures the long-term survival of the species by maintaining genetic diversity, which is vital to the species’ resilience and future.
Supporting the Wild Herd
In addition to caring for elephants in villages, this veterinarian occasionally provides support to members of the wild herd in Sumatra, contributing directly to the health and sustainability of the wild population.
Through these efforts, we are helping ensure that both the wild and human-associated Asian elephant populations remain healthy, protected, and capable of thriving for generations to come.
Asian Elephant Support
Asian Elephant Support (AES) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and care of Asian elephants in their range countries. AES collaborates with local partners to provide veterinary care, support elephant sanctuaries, and promote education and awareness initiatives aimed at ensuring the survival of this endangered species.
International Elephant Foundation
The International Elephant Foundation (IEF) is a non-profit organization committed to the conservation of African and Asian elephants worldwide. IEF funds and supports a variety of projects focused on habitat protection, anti-poaching efforts, and community education to promote human-elephant coexistence. Through these initiatives, IEF aims to secure a future where elephants thrive in their natural habitats.
96 Elephants
The 96 Elephants campaign, initiated by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), was named to highlight the alarming statistic that 96 elephants were being killed each day in Africa for their ivory. Launched in 2013, the campaign aimed to raise awareness about the devastating impact of the ivory trade and to mobilize support for elephant conservation efforts. Through public education, advocacy for stronger ivory trade regulations, and partnerships with various organizations, 96 Elephants sought to halt the poaching crisis and ensure a future for African elephants.
SAFE Program
Asian Elephant
The AZA's SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) Asian Elephant program aims to promote human-elephant coexistence and support conservation efforts across 13 range countries. The initiative focuses on mitigating human-elephant conflicts, enhancing elephant care, managing EEHV (elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus), and providing education tools, materials, and social media resources to AZA institutions and local communities.
SAFE Program
African Elephant
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has launched the SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) African Elephant program to address the challenges facing African elephants, including habitat loss and poaching. This initiative unites AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums to collaborate on conservation efforts aimed at ensuring a sustainable future for African elephants. Key strategies include public engagement to raise awareness about the threats elephants face, partnerships with on-the-ground organizations in Africa, and support for field conservation projects. Through these combined efforts, the SAFE African Elephant program strives to protect and preserve this iconic species.
Join the Fight to Save Endangered Species
Together, we can make a difference. By supporting Topeka Zoo’s initiatives, you’re helping protect vulnerable species, restore habitats, and ensure a future where wildlife can thrive. Join us in taking action today!