World Elephant Day falls on Aug. 12 every year, and this year's observance arrives with roughly 400,000 African elephants and as few as 40,000 Asian elephants left in the wild.

Why they matter: Elephants shape ecosystems by creating water sources, dispersing seeds, and maintaining savanna landscapes, benefiting countless other species. What’s threatening them: Poaching, ...

Behind their enormous physical presence lies a complex society built on family bonds, learning and cooperation.

According to Tara Easter, writing for the organization, the move to place both species under the protection of the Endangered Species Act would close a regulatory loophole in controlling the illegal ...

Discover 25 cool and absolutely extraordinary elephant facts, from their incredible trunks to their complex brains. Learn how ...