New Delhi, August 12, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
On World Elephant Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday highlighted India’s role in elephant conservation, saying it is “gladdening” that the country is home to more than 60 per cent of the world’s wild Asian elephants.
Taking to social media platform X, the Prime Minister said elephants have remained an integral part of India’s ecological heritage and praised those involved in their conservation.
“On World Elephant Day, we celebrate the majestic elephant which has remained an integral part of India’s ecological heritage. It is gladdening that India is home to over 60% of the world’s wild Asian elephants,” PM Modi said.
He noted that India has 33 Elephant Reserves that provide habitats for elephants and strengthen efforts towards their long-term conservation.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the contribution of forest personnel, scientists, veterinarians, mahouts and local communities to elephant conservation.
PM Modi also shared photographs on Instagram and wrote, “Happy World Elephant Day! And compliments to those working on elephant conservation and well-being.”
World Elephant Day is observed annually on August 12 to raise awareness about the conservation and welfare of elephants, which are recognised for their intelligence, complex social behaviour and strong family bonds.
The observance was first held on August 12, 2012, with the objective of drawing global attention to the challenges faced by Asian and African elephants. These include habitat loss, poaching, human-elephant conflict and concerns surrounding the treatment of elephants in captivity.
World Elephant Day was initiated through a collaboration between the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation of Thailand and Canadian filmmaker Patricia Sims. Sims has since played a key role in developing the initiative into a global conservation campaign.
The day also highlights the need to strengthen wildlife protection, conserve elephant habitats and promote measures aimed at ensuring the long-term survival of elephant populations.
A recent report by the Wildlife Institute of India has highlighted several challenges confronting elephants. Over the past year, several disturbing images and videos have surfaced showing humans attacking elephants, including calves, with sharp weapons, firecrackers and other dangerous objects.
India is home to nearly 60 per cent of the world’s wild elephant population. According to the 2023 Report on Elephant Corridors in India, the country has 33 Elephant Reserves and 150 identified Elephant Corridors.
Recognising the ecological and cultural importance of the species, India has designated the elephant as its National Heritage Animal. Elephants have also held a significant place in India’s history, traditions and religious practices.
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