The Next Generation of Advocates Is Here. Learn Why 17-Year Old Alex Smith Is Marching for Elephants

Alex Smith will stop at nothing to save the elephants. Will you join her?

It’s hard to wrap our minds around the fact that elephants could become extinct in our lifetime. In as little as 10 years, they could be wiped out from the wild, entirely. A poacher kills an elephant every 15 minutes… And it’s all for some meaningless ivory trinkets.

Unfortunately, given the massive scale of the global ivory trade, saving elephants from the brink of extinction won’t be easy. But there’s definitely hope for the future!

Just look at 17-year old Alex Smith, daughter of Elephants DC’s Arizona ambassador Jane Michaelides-Smith. Initially inspired by her mother, Alex has taken the mission of saving elephants very much to heart.

Alex wants to live her entire long life in a world where elephants are safe and happy in the wild. And she — and her entire generation, and all future generations — deserve no less.

That’s why Alex is ready to take a stand for elephants by marching proudly in the Third Annual International March for Elephants in Washington, DC this Sunday. Her commitment and passion for the cause inspires us all!

Alex (left) took part in last year’s march for elephants too, and helped lead several hundred marches to the White House.

Read more about Alex and why she’s marching for elephants on October 4 in her own words, below.

1. What motivates you to stand up and take action for elephants?

My mom is my biggest motivator. I have always been very passionate about animals, and when my mom told me about all the elephants being killed, I wanted to take immediate action to try to help in any way that I can.

2. What has been your favorite part of previous elephant marches or rallies that you’ve participated in?

My favorite part about the march is how passionate everyone is about it. Everyone is signing and chanting, and when we pass by crowds of people they will come and join us. I love seeing how much this impacts people’s lives, and how much everyone wants to help.

3. Why do you think we need a march in Washington, DC?

I think we need a march in DC because it is a very well known location. Having a march where the White House is will draw the attention that we need.

4. How can young people help with this cause? Why should they?

Young people can help by talking about the problem and making it well known. Young people have such a big influence on our modern times and they can make the biggest impact.

I really want people to know that this problem will not be solved immediately. We need to work our hardest and make sure we make it known to everyone we can. Elephants are so magnificent and do not deserve any of the horrors that are being released upon them. We need to stop at nothing to help save them!

SAVE THE ELEPHANTS!

Thank you Alex for speaking up for elephants!

Join Alex — and countless others who care about preventing elephant extinction — in Washington, DC on Sunday, October 4 at the Third Annual International March for Elephants. We look forward to seeing you there.

P.S. You can help us meet our fundraising goal to buy the supplies and equipment for our march — and get a bumper sticker, t-shirt or art print — by donating here. Can you pitch in a few dollars? We are very close to reaching $2,500 raised. Thank you!