Elephants: Up Close and Personal

Knysna Elephant Park, a leading South African elephant research facility, has been home to more than 40 elephants in 25 years. Unfortunately, all the mystique of the Knysna elephant has been reduced to a single elephant left alive. This book explores the impact of elephants' interactions with tourists, how they recover from trauma, and their relevance in human healthcare. It also emphasizes the threat of poaching, which has almost forced them to extinction.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 04 March 2022
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

Elephants, majestic creatures that have graced the lush forests of South Africa for countless generations, hold a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. In this captivating book, we delve into the rich history and remarkable work of Knysna Elephant Park, a leading South African elephant research facility that has been nurturing and studying these magnificent animals for over two and a half decades.

However, our hearts sank as we learned that the Knysna elephant, once a symbol of awe and wonder, has dwindled to a solitary survivor. This tragic loss has left us questioning the fate of these magnificent creatures and the impact of human activities on their survival.

Through extensive research and captivating anecdotes, this book explores a wide range of topics related to elephants. It delves into the intricate dynamics between elephants and tourists, shedding light on the profound impact that human interaction has on these gentle giants. It also sheds light on the remarkable resilience of elephants, their ability to recover from trauma, and their potential role in human healthcare.

Renowned elephant researchers share their expertise, illuminating the awe-inspiring capabilities of the elephant brain. With the largest temporal lobe dedicated to communication, language, spatial memory, and cognition, elephants are truly cognitive marvels. However, this intelligence is tragically threatened by the illegal poaching of these gentle giants, which has pushed them to the brink of extinction.

The book emphasizes the urgent need for action to protect and conserve these magnificent creatures. It calls upon humans to recognize the symbolic significance of elephants and their relationship with nature. By paying attention to the lessons that elephants teach us, we can learn valuable insights about ourselves and our place in the world.

Elephants are not just animals; they are ambassadors of our shared responsibility to protect and preserve the natural world. Their survival is intertwined with our own, and it is up to us to take action to ensure that future generations can witness the magic and wonder of these magnificent creatures.

In conclusion, this book offers a captivating journey into the world of elephants, shedding light on their history, work, and the urgent need for their conservation. It is a testament to the resilience and intelligence of these magnificent creatures and a call to action for all of us to play a role in securing their future. Let us embrace the lessons that elephants teach us and work together to create a world where these gentle giants can thrive and continue to inspire us for generations to come.

Weight: 310g
Dimension: 150 x 226 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476687797