According to the WWF website, "Numbering three to five million in the last century, African elephant populations were severely reduced to its current levels because of hunting. In the 1980s, an estimated 100,000 elephants were killed each year and up to 80% of herds were lost in some regions. In recent years, growing demand for ivory, particularly from Asia, has led to a surge in poaching. Populations of elephants—especially in southern and eastern Africa—that once showed promising signs of recovery could be at risk due to the recent surge in poaching for the illegal ivory trade."

The elephant is a majestic beauty worthy of attention in order to keep educating the public about their presence which helps to maintain suitable habitats for many other species as well as their important role in seed dispersal.

This 3D piece showcases entitled, "Majestic African Sunset" incorporates palmetto pieces and acrylic on canvas.

Mia is 11 years old and is in the sixth grade at Bessey Creek Elementary in Palm City. She has enjoyed art from a very young age, and her favorite things to sketch, sculpt, and paint are animals, especially birds. She is true lover of nature and understands the importance of caring for threatened and endangered species as well as the environment. She has been receiving art instruction from Visionary School of the Arts in Stuart since grade one. She has entered and won several art contests including one that was an international contest. Mia is a fan of M.C. Escher's work and one of her favorite pieces is "Relativity." She really enjoys the optical illusions in his work. She is also a fan of da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" because of his use of light and shadows. Mia’s other interests include playing the violin, traveling, and boating.

Mia is a former prize winner in the Young Artist category of the ENDANGERED Art & Photography Contest

To enter the ENDANGERED Art & Photography Contest go to http://www.juriedartservices.com/index.php…

All entry donations go directly to the Center for Great Apes.