Why We Fight
There are currently more than 250,000 African elephants roaming across various habitats, but unfortunately, only around 25,000 Asian elephants are left in existence, which includes a mere population of just 4,000 Sri Lankan elephants. The primary danger facing Asian elephants today is the widespread loss of their natural habitats, which ultimately leads to these magnificent creatures raiding local crops in search of food. In response, villagers often find themselves staying awake during the night to protect their livelihoods and safeguard their crops from these hungry giants. However, many of these villagers find that they lose not only their homes but also their crops, leaving them in a precarious situation, while elephants can tragically lose their lives in the process. Our main goal is to introduce initiatives that effectively prevent habitat loss and educate villagers on sustainable practices that allow for coexistence with elephants. Without these crucial conservation efforts, wild elephants could face the grave threat of extinction in the near future.
Our Approach - We showcase conservation efforts to over 500,000 viewers every week.
We work closely and collaboratively with government rangers as well as dedicated veterinarians to ensure the well-being of elephants in our care. For over 20 years, we have provided skilled filmmakers, talented writers, and knowledgeable scientists with a unique platform to create impactful documentary films and engaging content that resonates with our audience of 250,000 social media followers. Our average weekly reach on Facebook consistently exceeds 20,000, and our new videoblogs have the potential to attract up to 500,000 views in just one week, often surpassing the reach of small television channels. Notably, policymakers frequently watch our videos and often reach out to seek our informed advice on enhancing elephant management practices.
History
In 1998, Executive Producer Philip Price served as a film assistant on the insightful documentary “Elephants of Paradise,” which meticulously documented the challenging process of elephant translocations. Throughout this experience, he developed a deep and lasting affection for the rich culture of Sri Lanka and its majestic elephants. After reviewing the completed film, the wildlife department took significant action by hiring many dedicated veterinarians, ultimately saving countless elephant lives, which effectively demonstrated the profound impact that documentary film can have on wildlife conservation efforts. Nearly a decade ago, in response to the alarming decline of Asian elephants and their habitats, Philip established GeoWandering Tours and subsequently founded SavingGanesh.org to raise awareness and support for this crucial cause.
Our Actions/past & now
We have taken the lead in stopping elephant exploitation by Ringling Bros, improving operations at the Pinnawala elephant orphanage, and documenting the health issues of elephants living near garbage dumps. We have also studied the effects of the Moragahakanda Dam and the industrialization in South Sri Lanka near Hambantota. We created the Wind Torch, a device that helps keep elephants out of farms, and have improved a safe sound cannon. Additionally, we have provided important tools to rangers, veterinarians, and government officials to enhance their work. We recognize the efforts of rangers and vets dealing with human-elephant conflicts and create videos to highlight their contributions.
Our Actions:
Outreach
Ganesh Project
SavingGanesh.org is rooted in America's yoga, art, and healing communities. Our team draws inspiration from connections with Hanuman, Bhakti, SoulPlay, and other festivals. We are especially involved in Burning Man, where we host a well-known camp for yogis, musicians, artists, and healers. We organize events and have equipment for festivals, including trucks and trailers. Our crew can set up tents, shade structures, sound systems, and lighting. Many of our volunteers and team members found us through our outreach at these events.
Our Actions/New -
Humanitarian Project
Villagers and farmers struggle to live alongside elephants. Many farmers stay awake nightly to guard their crops from elephant raids, which takes a toll on their health and well-being. Our organization works to protect elephants and believes in supporting the people affected by these challenges. Our Humanitarian Project provides healthcare volunteers to help communities dealing with human-elephant conflicts. Through these efforts, we facilitate discussions on their difficulties and potential solutions. Everyone benefits: elephants, villagers, and our conservation aims. We also connect these initiatives to local temples and hold community events for spiritual cleansing.
Global Activism, Outreach
Activating the Yoga Communities: Climate change is a crucial issue today. Many factors contribute to it, but the main cause is how we relate to the earth and nature. The yoga tradition and other indigenous beliefs have always respected and understood our living planet (Bhumi Devi). We are all connected to her physically, energetically, mentally, and spiritually; we are all her children. Now more than ever, we need to awaken and take action for ourselves, future generations, and all living things. As individuals and as a community, we must understand how our choices impact the environment and find ways to become earth activists, raise awareness, and join the movement for conscious change and a healthier planet for all. The time is now.
Filmmaking
EDUCATION THRU FILMMAKING
We aim to inform people about the dangers facing Asian elephants and the issues local villagers and farmers encounter. We believe documentary films and social media are effective ways to inspire change. Our teams include beginners and experienced filmmakers, interns, students, and anyone interested. We support learners and professionals alike. In recent years, we’ve created over 100 films, including videoblogs and short documentaries. Our passionate group includes volunteer filmmakers, veterinarians, wildlife biologists, naturalists, and sustainability scientists. SavingGanesh.org offers a platform for these individuals to use their skills, working together to improve elephant welfare and empower nearby communities with knowledge and resources. We manage ElephantTV on YouTube, where you can find our playlist.
The Meaning of
“Saving Ganesh”
Ganesh, like an elephant, is known for overcoming obstacles. People from various cultures believe that invoking Ganesh can help break bad habits. His universal power connects different cultures uniquely. At SavingGanesh.org, we believe that modern conservation efforts fail if they lack a spiritual appreciation for all life. To save our planet, we must move beyond greed and selfishness by harnessing Ganesh's strength. We need a collective awakening that merges secular interests, cognitive science, and leadership in business and politics. We must replace individual greed with community-focused values. Past conservation methods are ineffective; they drain resources while failing to achieve their goals. This reflects the true power of Ganesh.