Elephant Conservation


You have the chance to join an incredible elephant conservation project and get the chance to work towards either African elephant conservation or the preservation of the Asian elephant. These projects offer a fantastic opportunity to learn about and contribute to vital elephant conservation in the two continents.

Elephants in the locations have become a problem due to clashes with local villagers in locations such as Namibia and Sri Lanka. Elephants often come into contact with human settlements when in search of food or water as a result of the ever-dwindling elephant habitat, and this often leads to tension arising between the animals and the locals. Sadly, this conflict can be fatal for both humans and elephants. 

This is why projects like tours are vital for elephant conservation, as, without them, these issues will continue to occur for the worlds biggest land mammal. By joining one of our various elephant conservation projects, you will have the chance to participate in a whole host of conservation activities, and really help to make a difference in securing a future of this incredible animal.

Projects Do More

Signature Tours See More

Elephants At A Glance

ENDANGERED STATUS
Asian – Endangered, African - Vulnerable
NUMBER REMAINING IN THE WILD
Asian -40,000 – 50,000, African – 470,000
ENDEMIC REGION
Africa and Asia

How Endangered Are Elephants

At the turn of the last century, the African elephant numbered 3-5 million and since then their numbers have seriously declined. It is thought that throughout the 1980's up to 100,000 of these magnificent animals were being killed each year, and this goes some way to explaining just how their numbers have dropped so rapidly.

The total number of Asian elephants is also falling rapidly and it is showing no signs of coming back from the brink. As there are only 40,000-50,000 Asian elephants remaining in the wild, it will take an immense and concentrated effort to reverse this trend and ensure the animals have a future.

Threats Elephants Are Facing

Elephants are facing threats from a number of different sources. The main threats are:

  • Habitat Loss – as more of the elephant habitat is taken by humans for various uses, the elephant population is forced into a smaller and smaller area with less food and water.
  • The Ivory Trade – the demand for ivory from elephant’s tusks is the biggest driver of elephant poaching, and demand for ivory on the illegal black market is relentless. 
  • Human-Elephant Conflict – as humans encroach on the elephants land, the two parties often come into conflict. The elephants very rarely come out on top.
Fast Facts
  • The largest elephant ever on record was an adult African male, and he weighed around 24,000 pounds and was a huge 13 feet tall at the shoulder!
  • Elephants have a highly developed brain and the largest of all the land mammals. The brain is 3 or 4 times larger than that of humans although but consumes a smaller portion of overall body weight. They say an elephant never forgets, and this is why!
  • Elephants actually prefer one tusk over the other, just like humans do with their hands.
Where you can go
Contact Info
UK Office
The Great Traveller Ltd,
3 Dairy Yard
Star Street
Ware, Hertfordshire
SG12 7DX
United Kingdom

Opening hours:
   Mon-Fri 8:30am–5:30pm
   Sat 10am-4pm

T: +44(0) 208 885 4987