This heart wrenching animated video illustrates the tragic consequences of the illegal ivory trade. It is estimated that every day, ivory poachers claim the lives of 100 African elephants. Although you might think the “big tusker” males would be the primary target, females have become the new prime targets for poaching in this mass extermination, leaving their orphaned babies behind. With no one to care for them, these orphans would die alone in the wild.

Luckily the amazing people at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT), in Nairobi, Kenya are there to save the day. DSWT’s Orphan’s Project provides a place where these youngsters can get the care and companionship that they need, growing up together to form their own herds. Currently, the DSWT is home to over 190 orphaned elephants. One day, they hope to release these elephant herds back into the wild, repopulating the National Parks. Without the hard work and dedication of the DSWT, the already grim future of this species would be much worse.

To learn more about DSWT, check out their website, here.