🐘 August 14 2026

August 14, 2026

The Elephant News Service is provided by Save the Elephants for elephant lovers, scientists and conservationists who want to stay informed on the latest elephant news from reputable media sources worldwide. The stories are presented in no particular order.

Julie Capelle, Phys.Org (U.K.), August 13, 2026

Lying on the ground and kicking up a cloud of dust, the elephant slowly exhausted himself in futile attempts to stand, the latest potential victim of a still-mysterious ailment in southern Kenya. Distressed veterinarians administered a glucose injection—the only option, given that the cause of the ailment remains unknown—to the 11-year-old male, known as Genghis Khan, who was struggling to breathe. The mystery affliction has killed at least 19 pachyderms, mostly females or young males, since June in Kenya.

Ivan Zhakata, Herald (Zimbabwe), Augsut 13, 2026

Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to science-based elephant conservation as the country joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Elephant Day 2026, with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) calling for stronger collaboration to ensure the long-term survival of the species. ZimParks spokesperson Mr Luckmore Safuli said the country remains committed to conserving its elephant population through science-based management, sustainable utilisation and community-centred conservation.

Times of India (India), August 13, 2026

In the dry farming country beside Kenya’s Tsavo East National Park, the boundary between crops and wildlife can become difficult to hold. Elephants move through the landscape in search of food and water, and cultivated fields can become particularly attractive when crops are growing. In 2024, a nine-year study offered unusually long-term evidence that something as simple as a line of working beehives could help. The idea is based on an instinctive response: elephants generally avoid disturbed honey bees, particularly when the insects begin to swarm around sensitive parts of the face.

Sanjana Gajbhiye, Earth.Org (U.S.), August 12, 2026

Elephants are among the most recognizable animals on Earth, yet their future remains uncertain. World Elephant Day is observed every year on August 12, drawing attention to the challenges elephants face and the people working to protect them. Elephants are among the most recognizable animals on Earth, yet their future remains uncertain. World Elephant Day is observed every year on August 12, drawing attention to the challenges elephants face and the people working to protect them.

Stephanie Klarmann, Daily Maverick (South Africa), August 12, 2026

Kruger National Park’s centenary has prompted renewed conversations about its past, the realities of managing one of Africa’s largest protected areas and its megaherbivores, and ways forward. The Kruger inspires both fierce debate and deep affection. It is at once a place of historical injustice, scientific inquiry, tourism, conservation and national pride. This necessitates a management approach that balances ecology, biodiversity, wildlife and people.

Xinhua (China), August 12, 2026

August 12 marks World Elephant Day, an international annual event to bring attention to the threats facing elephants and promote their protection.

Now in SA (South Africa), August 12, 2026

South Africa joined the global community on 12 August to mark World Elephant Day 2026, with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) renewing its call for coordinated elephant conservation across the country. The day is one of several important events in South Africa marked this month by DFfE. According to World Elephant Day, the day highlights threats facing Asian and African elephants, including habitat loss and poaching.

Anayo Ezugwu, New Telegraph (Nigeria), August 13, 2026

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) have called for stronger efforts to protect Nigeria’s remaining elephant populations and the ecosystems they help sustain. The organisations made the call at a media dialogue organised to raise awareness about the declining elephant population in the country and the urgent need to safeguard their habitats. Speaking at the event, the West Africa Representative of Wild Africa, Dr. Mark Ofua, said Nigeria currently has an estimated 300-400 elephants in the wild, 300 forest elephants and 100 savannah elephants.

African Elephant News