Faqs
What is the HelloInElephant Project?
The HelloinElephant Campaign has been created by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, in collaboration with ElephantVoices, to provide people with the ability to translate simple human words and emotions into elephant calls that signal similar emotions or intentions. A variety of elephant animations have been created to allow a visual representation of these calls. The use, production, frequency and tone of specific calls are influenced by age and gender, and the animations are not intended as scientific representations. For the science behind specific elephant calls and elephant communication, please visit the ElephantVoices website.
Who is the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust?
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) is a global leader in elephant conservation and one of Africa's most established wildlife charities. It was created in 1977 by Dame Daphne Sheldrick to build upon the conservation vision of her late husband, David Sheldrick, the founding warden of Tsavo East National Park. SWT is best known for its first-of-its-kind work rescuing orphaned elephants and rhinos, and reintegrating them back into the wild. However, rescuing orphaned elephants is futile if they do not have a true wilderness to one day call home. The long-term mission of SWT is to secure a future for all Kenya's wildlife through the effective management and protection of key ecosystems across the country. Backed by decades of field experience, SWT has evolved into a multi-dimensional conservation body, tackling the greatest threats facing Kenya's natural world and engaging local communities in the process. Learn more.
Who is ElephantVoices?
ElephantVoices uses knowledge acquired over decades to act as a voice for elephants. To advance the study of elephant cognition, communication and social behaviour, and to promote the scientifically sound and ethical management and care of elephants. In the wild, ivory poaching, destruction of habitat, competition with people for diminishing resources, sport hunting, culling and capture, all threaten the freedom and survival of elephants. In captivity, their well-being is affected by abusive practices and exploitation for commercial gain. Through Conservation, Advocacy, Research and Education, it promotes the protection and kinder treatment of elephants wherever they may be. Learn more.
What is World Elephant Day?
World Elephant Day is an international annual event on August 12, dedicated to the preservation and protection of the world's elephants. The special day was created to encourage people to learn more about these magnificent creatures, and to promote their protection in the wild. More than 100 elephant conservation charities and millions of people worldwide come together every year to raise awareness of these incredible animals.
It says my message cannot be translated?
We understand many of the calls elephants use in their daily lives, and have translated these into emotions and expressions for you. While these overlap with emotions or phrases used by human beings, our language is very different to elephants. Try translating basic phrases like 'Say Hello in Elephant', 'I love you'.
Are these real elephant sounds?
These are 100% genuine elephant sounds. With over 40 years of research, Joyce Poole and her team from ElephantVoices have used sound recording equipment to capture vocalisations made by elephants.
Where were these elephant sounds recorded?
In Africa. Explore their immense collection of elephant calls and gestures on the ElephantVoices website.
Will my donation make a difference?
The SWT uses funds for the protection of elephants at a field level, conducting Anti-Poaching Operations, Aerial Surveillance, Mobile Veterinary Support, Habitat Security and undertaking the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned milk dependent baby elephants, so that they can return to the wild when grown. ElephantVoices use funding to continue critical long-term elephant research, conservation and welfare work.
What is the biggest threat facing elephants?
Elephants face many threats. Demand for ivory leads to poaching, which continues to have an enormous impact on many elephant populations. Rapidly expanding human populations and habitat loss has seen increasing conflict between elephants and people, resulting in the deaths and suffering of both elephants and people.
How many elephants are alive today?
There were over 10 million African elephants in the early 20th century, now there's less than 400,000.
How can I do more?
You can adopt an orphaned elephant on the Sheldrick Trust website. You'll receive an adoption certificate, a monthly Orphans' Project summary, along with a link to the 'Keepers' Diaries', and photographs of your elephant.
How can I learn more about SWT and ElephantVoices?
Learn more about Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and ElephantVoices on their websites.