Celebrating World Elephant Day - Part 2
Our natural world can be a resilient engine of regeneration. We just need to give her some space, so that she can show us what she can do. Enric Sala
©kathykarn
Elephants are known as the “Gardeners of Eden”, reflecting the significant impact they have on the overall health of their ecosystems. They support countless other species by spreading a diverse range of plant and fruit seeds over vast distances through their dung. They create new habitats by knocking down trees and brush and open up areas that create grasslands and clearings. These open spaces provide habitats and vital resources for many other species, including access to water and minerals unearthed by elephant activity.
As landscape engineers elephants flatten, compact, and dig up land, creating watering holes that support a huge web of life around these crucial resources. A world without elephants would cause major disruptions and impoverish the landscapes they help sustain.
Continuing from last week here are four more life lessons observed from elephant society.
Elephants have strong family ties. They care for one another. ©kathykarn
Join a community – find your herd.
We long to be seen. Community combats loneliness. It builds self-esteem and confidence.
Elephants show love, affection and compassion through touch and attention. ©kathykarn
Share your grief and loss.
When we acknowledge our pain and the pain of others healing is possible.
Like humans, orpahned elephants can heal from traumatic loss with loving kindness ©kathykarn
Be kind.
Caring is the chemistry of hope and the mechanism for change. Give help and assistance where needed. When in doubt ask yourself, what is the kindest response I could give?
Elephants are known as the Gardeners of Eden ©kathykarn
Be a good steward.
Elephants take care of each other and the environment. When we are good stewards of nature, nature takes care of us.
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