With the distinct possibility wild elephants could suffer global extinction our lifetimes, World Elephant Day was launched on Aug. 12, 2012, by the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation and Canadian documentary filmmaker Patricia Sims.

Tracking research suggests that over the last four years, poaching rates for ivory have surged to all-time highs. It's estimated that 100 African elephants are killed every day for the illegal wildlife trade, according to a news release.

A June 2014 report by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species said 20 percent of Africa's elephants may be killed in the next 10 years if poaching continues at current levels.

Others estimate all African elephants in the wild could be extinct by 2025.

Experts say fewer than 400,000 wild African elephants remain, the release continued.

Meanwhile, with less than 40,000 left in the world, Asian elephants have now been given "Endangered" status on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of threatened species.

Asian elephants have faced and will continue to face extensive loss of their natural habitats. Adults are killed for their ivory, meat and body parts, as young elephants are removed from their natural homes for use in the tourism industry.

"World Elephant Day supporters can act in a multitude of ways, both locally and globally, to help protect elephants from the devastating impacts of poaching, the destruction of wilderness, the demand for ivory, human population growth and human-elephant conflict, and the social, economic, and environmental factors that fuel this tragic situation," said the news release detailing today's occasion.

According to the World Elephant Day Website, to get involved in the plight of the world's elephant populations and take action, individuals and organizations can:

  • Support organizations that are working to: stop the illegal poaching and trade of elephant ivory and other wildlife products; protect wild elephant habitat; and provide sanctuaries and alternative habitats for domesticated elephants to live freely;
  • If you wish to experience elephants in their natural environment, choose eco-tourism operators who support local elephant conservation projects and who treat elephants with respect and dignity;
  • Support healthy, alternative, sustainable livelihoods for people who have traditionally relied on elephants, wild animals, and natural resources;
  • Support orphaned elephants by fostering one whose parents have been killed by poachers;
  • Learn about indigenous cultures that have traditionally lived in harmony with elephants;
  • Be an elephant-aware consumer. Never buy ivory or other wildlife products;
  • Support a U.S. national ban on the sale of ivory. Contact your representatives and write to your country's leaders, supporting national and local legislation to ban the sale of ivory;
  • Do not support organizations that exploit or abuse elephants and other animals for entertainment and profit.