Hi John,

It’s Elephant Appreciation Day!

As we work to secure fundamental rights for elephants at the NhRP, we rely on decades worth of research showing just how incredible elephants are and how important they are to their ecosystems. Here is just a small selection of what we know about elephants:

Elephants are a highly social species, and they can form lifelong bonds within their herd. Like us humans, elephants turn to their loved ones for comfort in times of stress.
Elephants are self-aware, meaning they can recognize themselves in the mirror. In fact, the NhRP’s client, Happy, is the first elephant to pass the mirror self-recognition test.
Elephants are great problem-solvers—they cooperate with one another to solve problems and use tools to help with tasks like cleaning and fly-swatting.
Elephants have extensive long-term memories and remember their loved ones after they’re gone. Elephants have been observed mourning their herdmates who have passed on.

Above all, these scientific studies and observations point to the fact that elephants are highly intelligent, emotionally complex individuals. Not only do they deserve our appreciation—they deserve dignity, respect, and basic legal rights.

This is why we continue to fight for our elephant clients. We know that captivity in zoos and circuses deprives elephants of the space, social connections, and freedom they need to thrive, and yet zoos and circuses continue to force elephants into a life of suffering.

It’s an injustice to imprison elephants. With the support of people like you, we can spread this message far and wide, including to courts and legislatures. Will you help build a pathway to freedom this Elephant Appreciation Day with a donation?

A future where no elephant has to suffer in captivity is on the horizon. John, thank you for being a part of this movement!

The NhRP