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"We admire elephants in part because they demonstrate what we consider the finest human traits: empathy, self-awareness, and social intelligence. But the way we treat them puts on display the very worst of human behavior.”   ~  Graydon Carter   Having established the ecological importance of elephants in our 2 part series of The Silent Crisis, we now confront the anthropogenic paradox that threatens their very existence. In part 1, we explored how  closely intertwined the relationship between elephants and the surrounding environment are, where elephants help shape the habitats and ecosystems. The second part not only explores the detrimental impacts that human activities have on these majestic megafauna, but will also explore the burgeoning efforts taken for ecological redemption.  Long before animal conservation documentaries and wildlife campaigns, Walt Disney's Dumbo offered a profound lesson about a young elephant ostracized for being different, yet ultimat...

                               "The question is, are we happy to suppose that our grandchildren may never be able to see an elephant except in a picture book?" ~Sir David Attenborough "Elephants are known as gentle giants that roam the Earth. Today, they are facing a major crisis—the crisis of extinction. A simple Google search reveals the devastating reality: savanna elephant populations have fallen by around 70 percent on average at surveyed sites, while forest elephant populations have plummeted by about 90 percent. These statistics are especially alarming given that, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the entire African elephant population could disappear by 2040 if current trends continue. The complex and unethical choices we humans made resulted in this sudden decline of elephants. This decline can become devastating especially for the ecosystem as elephants play a crucial part in maintaining ...

                        In recent years, the blindbox industry has flourished greatly, hitting a market of over 14.2 billion dollars in 2024. This figure is expected to grow exponentially, hitting around 18.7 billion dollars by the end of this year, according to Cognitive Market Research.   Popmart, founded by a veteran toymaker, Wang Ning in 2010 gained rapid fame in 2016. With unique characters like Labubu, Pucky and Molly creating waves around the world. As of the end of 2023, Pop Mart has opened 450 stores globally as well as 2000 roboshops globally. But why are these small acrylic figures creating so much hype? And why do people actually like these figures? Read further to find out!  The reason for the sudden rise in the blind box industry is due to three important factors namely, its appeal, the thrill of unboxing a mystery as well as the rise in today's consumerist culture.  Its Appeal Bli...