Gajotsavam -Kerala celebrates the Elephant

‘Gajotsavam’ in Kerala celebrated India’s national heritage animal, the Asian elephant, as a part of the larger, Pan-India campaign launched by Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) to raise awareness about the species. The objective of the campaign is to garner support to protect elephants and their habitat, and to provide this large, nomadic animal with a ‘Right of Passage’.

At WTI, we have identified and aim to protect 101 ‘elephant corridors’, which are linear forest paths connecting an otherwise fragmented forest habitat. Corridors are historically used by elephants to safely migrate to and access larger spaces, without coming into negative interaction with humans.

The campaign brings together the local community, regional NGOs, linear infrastructure departments, members of judiciary, and media to initiate dialogue on and effect elephant conservation. ‘Gajotsavam’, through a month-long art exhibition titled ‘Aa Aana’ centre-staged elephants in Kerala through art, literature, films, music and dance. At the crux of the festivities, is the idea of co-existence which will benefit both humans and elephants.

A lot needs to be done to provide safer spaces to these gentle giants. To strengthen our efforts, we urge you to ‘Join Our Herd’.

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Driven by the vision of securing a natural heritage for India, WTI is an Indian wildlife conservation organisation established in 1998. With 9 Big Ideas forming its conservation strategies, WTI has delivered impact through saving species and their local populations, sensitising communities and involving them in conservation, rescue-rehab-release of displaced wildlife, curing illegal wildlife trade, training equipping and morale boosting of frontline forest staff and securing habitat for wildlife. A group of 120 professionals spanning six biogeographic regions across India, WTI continues to do impactful work working with communities and governments.

Video Music by Ashot Danielyan from Pixabay