The theme for 2026 was “bringing the world together to help elephants”. This focus highlights international cooperation, habitat preservation, and collective action to protect both African and Asian elephant populations.

The educators gathered the children together to watch a short documentary about elephants. The children were fascinated as they watched the elephants walking, swimming, eating and making different sounds. They listened carefully and showed excitement as they discovered more about these amazing animals.

The children watched on excitedly & began discussing what they could see. “I can see 2 elephants!” One child said “Swimming in water”, “They have big ears and they ate the leaves” more children observed while many others kept pointing & saying said “Elephant”.

The Joey children giggled and laughed when they heard the loud elephant sounds, particularly when they watched a playful baby elephant rolling around in a shallow bath.

After watching the documentary, the children were invited to create their own elephant. Using recycled paper bags, Gill made a large elephant head with big ears and prepared an individual elephant trunk for each child. The elephant head and ears were placed on the door, ready for the children to complete their elephant.

One at a time, the children were invited to place their trunk onto the elephant wherever they thought it belonged. The children showed wonderful patience and turn taking skills, waiting eagerly for their opportunity while watching and encouraging their friends.

As each child placed their trunk onto the elephant, they used their fine motor skills, hand eye coordination and concentration to carefully position and stick it in place. The children were proud to see their contributions become part of the group’s very own elephant.

This was a wonderful World Elephant Day experience filled with curiosity, laughter, discovery and lots of learning!