ELEPHANT TUSKS BELONG TO ELEPHANTS

Elephants are majestic creatures that deserve respect and protection. Sadly, human greed has driven the demand for elephant tusks, often leading to these incredible animals being killed for profit.

Behind every piece of ivory – whether it be a full tusk or carved trinket – is a dead elephant. Poachers kill about 20,000 elephants every single year for their tusks, which are then traded illegally in the international market to eventually end up as ivory trinkets. This trade is mostly driven by demand for ivory in parts of Asia.

The real tragedy is that no one in this world truly needs an elephant’s tusk – except the elephant itself.

Elephant tusks evolved from teeth, giving the species an evolutionary advantage. They serve a variety of purposes: digging, lifting objects, gathering food, stripping bark from trees to eat, and defence. The tusks also protect the trunk – another valuable tool for drinking, breathing, and eating, among other uses.

Just as humans are left- or right-handed, elephants, too, are left tusked or right tusked. The dominant tusk is usually more worn down from frequent use.

Elephant tusks are actually teeth that extend beyond their mouths. They are connected to the skull and have nerve endings, just like our own teeth. Once a tusk is broken, damaged, or removed, it stays that way.

The tusks serve as tools for elephants in the wild, but human desire for them as trophies or ornaments has led to a horrifying decline in elephant populations. It’s time we protect these beautiful animals and their habitats, ensuring they can thrive for generations to come.

References: WWF; Best Out of Waste