African elephants in Tsavo East National Park, Kenya

© Neil Bowman/Minden Picture

Follow the teacher!

Today we celebrate the real influencers, our teachers—Happy World Teachers' Day to all the educators across the globe. Every year, on October 5th, we recognise the essential role of teachers in shaping society. Since 1994, this day has celebrated the invaluable contributions of teachers in nurturing young minds. It serves as a reminder to appreciate, assess and improve the teaching profession while acknowledging the challenges educators face in guiding future generations.

Pictured in today's image, African elephants, the largest land mammals, are celebrated for their extraordinary intelligence. Elephants are remarkable teachers, guiding their young through essential life skills such as finding water, selecting safe food and navigating complex social dynamics. Through gentle nudging, vocalisations and demonstrations, elephant mothers pass down vital knowledge that helps their young survive in the wild. Sadly, these precious animals face significant threats from habitat loss and poaching. As we admire these majestic creatures and strive to protect them, we can learn valuable lessons about empathy, cooperation and the importance of community—reminding us that, just like elephants, we never forget a great teacher.