The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), through pressure from the Trump White House, has suspended key grants that support anti-poaching patrols and habitat protection, a move that could have devastating consequences for elephant populations worldwide.

In a world that often feels like it’s spinning out of control, it’s easy to lose sight of the natural wonders that share this planet with us. With so much chaos, it’s fair to ask: why should we care about saving elephants? Aren’t there bigger problems to solve? The answer is simple yet profound: saving elephants is not just about them; it’s about us, our ecosystems, and the future of our planet.

These approaches to elephant management—culling in Africa and unmanaged release in Asia—are not solutions. They are avoidable tragedies. There is a better path forward: relocation. By moving elephants to areas where they are needed most, we can protect these animals, restore ecosystems, and create a compassionate conservation model.

The world is a noisy place right now. Headlines scream of escalating conflicts, economic uncertainty casts a long shadow, and the 24-hour news cycle bombards us with a relentless stream of crises. But amidst the chaos and clamor, let's not forget the silent giants who still desperately need our support: elephants. 

Human-elephant conflict (HEC) is a pressing issue that threatens the survival of elephants and disrupts the livelihoods of communities living near them. It is a complex problem with no easy solutions, but it is one that we must address if we want to ensure the future of these magnificent animals.

Like at the beginning of every new year, unless you are Nostradamus, what lies ahead is unknown. 2021 will undoubtedly be filled with unknowns. But here at The Elephant Project, we believe that this New Year brings with it hope that has not been seen since World Wars consumed our planet – hope that the destruction and devastation will end, and that renewal and rebuilding will follow. Hope that the worst is behind us.

All is fair in love and war. Sometimes a bit of sensationalism is necessary to strengthen support of a message as significant as this. Who better than a band of robust young women in combat fatigues, sporting firearms to reel in an audience? Except this is not another Hollywood tale of make believe. The Akashinga group, which translate to ‘The Brave Ones’ is comprised of sixteen women who have come together to stop poachers by force.

The journey to protect elephants is a journey filled with challenges but challenges that can be overcome through the continued efforts of the groups and individuals committed to elephant protection and conservation. We continue to do what we can by working on several fronts both domestically and internationally but a major focus of our organizational efforts continues to be helping Myanmar’s elephants through various projects in the country.

There is so much amazing work being done around the world to help protect elephants but let’s do what we can in our own backyard to help their efforts. Let’s get Congress to act now by passing legislation to end the Trump Administration’s support for the slaughter of elephants and return the protections that have been supported for decades by Presidents of both political parties. Elephant protection should not be a partisan issue - saving them is a testament to our humanity.

What do elephants mean to you? Maybe they’re a symbol of a different culture. Or a physical representation of benevolence, peace, and wisdom. They may symbolize the delicate balance between gentleness and brutality, having the amazing ability to be so tender and kind while also being capable of causing mass destruction.