At Nandankanan Zoological Park near Bhubaneswar, four female elephants — Basanti, Hira, Lisa and Asha — are currently living under the care of the zoo authorities. The zoo’s younger elephants, Lisa and Asha, were rescued from Odisha’s forest divisions. Today, Asha and Lisa are among the younger elephants at the zoo and have attracted considerable affection from visitors and staff. Why World Elephant Day mattersWorld Elephant Day highlights the importance of protecting elephants, their natural habitats and their social groups. The stories of rescued elephants such as Asha and Lisa underline the importance of timely rescue, veterinary care and long-term conservation efforts.