Mysuru:  Elephants are the largest terrestrial animals on Earth, and they are one of the most unique-looking animals, too. With their characteristic long noses, or trunks; large, floppy ears; and wide, thick legs, there is no other animal with a similar physique.

There are mainly 2 species of elephants — African and Asian. There are only about 4,50,000 – 7,00,000 African elephants and between 35,000 – 40,000 wild Asian elephants left in world. India is home for about 27,312 elephants and Karnataka is having 6,049 elephants.

Escalating poaching or illegal killing, for the commercial trade in ivory and meat, increasing loss and fragmentation of natural habitats and rising conflict with humans over diminishing resources are the major causes for decrease in elephant population.

World Elephant Day is observed every year on Aug.12 to create awareness of urgent plight of African and Asian elephants and to share knowledge and positive management of captive and wild elephants. In this context, Mysuru Zoo is celebrating Elephant Day on Aug.12 by displaying attractive Information Boards and Facts Boards about elephants in front of the Elephant enclosure at Mysuru Zoo from 10.30 am to 5.30 pm. The general public may avail this opportunity while visiting Zoo, according to a press release from the Zoo Executive Director.