Wildlife Conservation Society

Battle for the Elephants

As many as 30,000 elephants died from poaching last year
They Need Your Help

Tune In

Battle for the Elephants Premiering Wednesday, Feb. 27, 9:00–10:00 p.m. ET on PBS Learn More >>

WCS is collaborating with National Geographic to help spread awareness of the plight of elephants through the new film, Battle for the Elephants. This groundbreaking, one-hour special produced by National Geographic Television explores the brutal slaughter of African elephants for their tusks, fueled largely by China's demand for ivory. Together, WCS and the National Geographic Society—long-time partners on conservation issues—hope the film will rally support to stop the killing, stop the trafficking, and stop the demand.

Our Conservation Mission

Stop the Killing WCS and our partners work to stop criminals from slaughtering elephants in Africa's worst killing fields. Together, we recruit, train, and support ecoguard patrols, focusing their efforts through local intelligence networks and aerial surveillance, and ensuring they get the backup they need from the police, army, and courts.

Stop the Trafficking
WCS aids governments in detecting smuggled ivory at key ports and airports at different points in the trade chain in Africa and East Asia. We are increasingly working with sniffer dogs to detect the ivory. In addition, we work with judiciaries and other agencies to increase the number of cases taken to court, and rates of successful prosecutions.

Stop the Demand
WCS plans to utilize Chinese social media platforms to encourage public engagement to reduce demand for ivory and influence how government agencies respond to the illegal ivory trade. We will support the creation of a social media hub in Beijing that focuses on information sharing, opinion mapping, building partnerships, and mobilization.

How You Can Help

Elephants can't protect themselves against organized, armed criminals. To face down this tremendous threat, they'll need the help of dedicated ecoguards who can intervene immediately. They'll also need you.

With your support, we will continue to ramp up new strategic programs that protect threatened elephants in some of their most critical habitats. Please make a generous gift today.