- Location: United States
- Founded: 1998 by a group of individuals and institutions.
- Species: African elephants and Asian elephants.
What is the International Elephant Foundation?
International Elephant Foundation is a 501c(3) nonprofit that’s seriously dedicated to protecting elephants. They juggle a lot—think umbrella organization for the International Elephant Society, International Animal Rescue, and International Veterinary Dental College.
They aim to support elephant conservation and protection—focusing on both African and Asian elephants. Their work covers education, conservation, research, veterinary programs, and running international sanctuaries.
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International Elephant Foundation’s Mission
The International Elephant Foundation jumps into all sorts of initiatives. They rescue elephants, improve habitats in range countries, raise awareness about human-elephant conflict, and share knowledge about natural elephant history.
Through their Education Initiatives, they teach students, teachers, conservationists, and decision-makers about elephants and the landscapes they call home. It’s a real grassroots effort.
So what are the International Elephant Foundation’s actual goals? Here’s a quick rundown:
- End ivory poaching
- Shut down ivory markets and the black market
- Stop the endangered Asian elephant trade
- Reduce human-elephant conflict
- Promote human-elephant coexistence
- Save the critically endangered Sumatran elephant
- Lead scientific research about elephant diseases and cures
- Educate people about elephant care and wildlife conservation programs
Their International Animal Rescue program pushes for safe spaces for animals that really don’t belong in captivity.
They also work to build a sustainable future for elephants, set up conservation response units, use trained elephants for forest patrols, and run education programs with help from community partners.
They want to protect elephants threatened by habitat loss or rising human-elephant conflict, end illegal wildlife trade, and advocate for life before euthanasia. Plus, they promote sustainable livelihoods so communities can thrive alongside elephants.
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Projects
The International Elephant Foundation backs a variety of projects and works directly in countries across Asia and Africa. Since 1998, they’ve been at the forefront of elephant conservation.
They run the International Elephant Research and Management Center, International Elephant Awareness Day, the International Center for Asian Elephants, and several conservation centers focused on Asian elephants.
Their main focus? Management and elephant protection. That includes anti-poaching work, scientific research, and outreach programs to help people and elephants live together peacefully.
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Elephant Conservation
The International Elephant Foundation acts globally to protect elephant habitats. They’re also fighting to save the endangered Asian elephant and a handful of other threatened species.
In recent years, they’ve tackled all sorts of conservation challenges to help ensure elephants have a future.
For example, they’ve trained park rangers in Tanzania to protect elephants from poachers. In central Kenya, they’ve helped provide wildlife with fresh water sources—something that’s honestly essential.
They’re big on community education, too. Teaching kids and adults about why these endangered species matter is a key part of their mission.
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How can I donate to Elephants?
The International Elephant Foundation rescues and cares for elephants who’ve suffered from wildlife trafficking, tourism, or other abuses. They also educate people about elephant culture, biology, and the conservation challenges wild elephants face—both in the wild and in captivity.
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How can we save elephants?
So many wildlife organizations are out there fighting for endangered species and running global conservation programs.
The International Elephant Foundation is one of those groups working nonstop to save elephants. They fund international conservation projects, run education programs, and create original content to keep the world inspired about elephant conservation.
They work hard to protect elephant habitats, and they actually team up with zoos all over the world. If you’re looking for a way to really make a difference for elephants, supporting the International Elephant Foundation is honestly one of the best moves you can make.
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How to help
Want to get involved in the International Elephant Foundation’s research and conservation work for Asian and African elephants? Just hit the donate button and head to their website—your support really does matter.
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Key 2026 Takeaways
## International Elephant Foundation: 2026 Expert Answer The **International Elephant Foundation (IEF)** is a conservation nonprofit that funds and supports science-based projects protecting African and Asian elephants and their habitats. Its work includes anti-poaching patrols, habitat protection, elephant research, community education, and initiatives that reduce human–elephant conflict. In 2026, IEF’s conservation portfolio spans projects in regions including **Kenya, Gabon, and Sri Lanka**, emphasizing partnerships with local organizations and practical, measurable outcomes (source: [International Elephant Foundation](https://elephantconservation.org/); [2026 Conservation Projects](https://elephantconservation.org/announcing-our-2026-conservation-projects/)). ### Key Takeaways – **Mission:** Protect elephants while supporting healthy ecosystems and human communities. – **Species covered:** African savannah elephants, African forest elephants, and Asian elephants. – **Main priorities:** Anti-poaching, habitat conservation, research, education, and coexistence. – **2026 focus:** Collaborative projects across Africa and Asia, including Kenya, Gabon, and Sri Lanka. – **Funding approach:** Grants may support qualified organizations, researchers, students, and institutions internationally, including both annual and multiyear projects (source: [Terra Viva Grants](https://www.terravivagrants.org/elephant-conservation-and-research/)). – **Why it matters:** IEF directs donor and grant support toward frontline conservation efforts intended to produce measurable benefits for elephants and their ecosystems.
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