Save and Rescue an Asian Elephant Today

Hello Supporters,

A few months back we joined project orange and it was a great initiative but was slow to get going across Sri Lanka so we decided with your donations and support to start to ramp it up and what a success it has been. 

The biggest issue we face across Asia is that local farmers and community members have no idea about Elephants and they see them as a 'pest' coming into their farms and home and destroying things, we have been working hard on conflict resolution and holding awareness events and while these are successful we needed to do more. 

Asian elephants generally dislike citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. This aversion is thought to be due to the strong scent and taste of citrus, which may be unpleasant for the elephants. The strong acidity and the intense flavor can be overwhelming for their sensitive sense of taste and smell.

In fact, citrus fruits are sometimes used as a deterrent to keep elephants away from crops in areas where they might cause damage to agricultural fields. Farmers may use citrus peels or even plant citrus trees around their fields to discourage elephants from entering and feeding on the crops.

We have been putting donated funds towards planting citrus trees along farm boundaries and they now coming into season and it is working. It's a great project but we have so many more miles of tree planting needed so please do help us continue to fundraise and don't forget 3rd December is Giving Tuesday when all new donations will be matched by GlobalGiving so please help us and donate then!

Thank You,

Ravi 

In the vast African wilderness, where ancient rhythms echo through savannas and thickets, a desperate battle unfolds—one that pits life against greed. Rhinos, majestic and resilient, face an existential threat. The black rhino teeters on the brink of extinction, while the white rhino grapples with vulnerability. Their horns, coveted by some as a mythical cure-all, drive a ruthless illegal trade. It’s time to rally—to protect these magnificent creatures before it’s too late.

The Plight of Rhinos

Critical Endangerment: The black rhino (Diceros bicornis) clings to survival. Its numbers have dwindled, and its future hangs in the balance.

Threatened White Rhinos: The white rhino (Ceratotherium simum) faces similar challenges. Poaching and habitat loss threaten its existence.

The Myth of Rhino Horns: Despite no scientific evidence, a belief persists that rhino horns possess magical healing properties. This myth fuels demand.

The Brutal Trade

High Stakes: Rhino horns fetch astronomical prices on the illegal market. Their value rivals gold or diamonds.

Poachers’ Ruthlessness: Armed with guns and greed, poachers stop at nothing. They kill hundreds of rhinos annually, leaving carcasses behind.

Market Demand: Asia, particularly Vietnam and China, drives the demand. Rhino horns are carved into ornaments or ground into powder for traditional medicine.

Call to action:

We must bolster protection. Rangers, technology, and community involvement are essential. Education and Awareness: Dispelling myths about rhino horns is crucial. Public campaigns can change perceptions. Legal Measures: Stricter penalties for poaching and trafficking are necessary. International cooperation is vital. Habitat Conservation: Preserving natural habitats ensures rhinos thrive. National parks and reserves play a pivotal role.

Why It Matters

Ecological Balance: Rhinos shape ecosystems. Their grazing patterns influence plant diversity and soil health.

Cultural Heritage: Rhinos are part of Africa’s soul—a living heritage we must safeguard.

Our Responsibility: We inherit this planet. Our actions determine whether rhinos roam freely or vanish forever.

Conclusion

As the sun sets over the savanna, let us stand united. Rhino conservation isn’t a distant cause; it’s our shared duty. We must act NOW—to protect these ancient giants, to preserve their legacy, and to ensure that generations to come witness their majesty.

Remember, every horn saved is a heartbeat of hope.