Africa’s Serengeti has often been seen as a present day Garden of Eden, the variety of animals, the diversity of terrain, and one animal that dominates them all. The African – or Savanna Elephant. While it shares it home with giraffes, zebras, lions and many more, it is the Elephant who shapes this land. Eating tonnes of foliage every day, and then distributing seeds via its dung (a favourite of the dung beetle) the elephant is planting as it goes, they are the landscapers of Africa. The fertility of this land is what has lead to herds of elephants that can number up to one hundred. Like all elephants, the African Elephant herd is lead by a matriarch, and it is not uncommon to see four generations of these towering graceful giants walking side by side. So come with us as we explore the vast open plains and waterways that make this area so unique and timeless... and learn what it takes to live as a giant.
In the heart of southwestern Africa lies a land of stark beauty and ancient rhythms. Where the harshness of the environment shapes all who dwell here. A trail of footprints tells the tale of a journey that has been repeated for generations. These are the tracks of the true titans of one of toughest terrains on earth – these are the tracks of the desert elephants of Namibia. Once, the desert elephants roamed these sands in the thousands but today, their numbers have dwindled and only around 150 individuals remain. The scarcity of food has meant that any life that is here subsists rather than thrives amongst these dunes that tower up to 300m and constantly shift with the winds. While closely related to their Savanna cousins, the desert elephants have longer legs and boarder feet to help with the soft sand they tread upon, and have become accustomed to using sand and dust to bathe in, rather than the scarce water that they save for drinking. While it may seem that everything is stacked against them, these elephants have just welcomed new members to the family, and where there’s life, there’s hope, so enjoy the journey with these gentle giants of the desert.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Thailand, we learn of the reverence that has deep cultural ties between the people of Thailand and the Elephant. Elephants are a majestic creatures, for centuries they have lived side by side with humans in Asia, but with increasing land-use by man there is less available for Elephants to be wild and free. For too long, people have used the strength of these magnificent beasts to perform tasks as simple as ploughing fields, but also in an increasing number to take tourists for rides. Unfortunately some unscrupulous handlers have worked Elephants to death in some circumstances. This documentary focuses on the importance of National Parks in preserving natural habitat, and also of the smaller, private sanctuaries where people dedicate their lives to saving Asian Elephants. We take into account the amount of food elephants require, and the range required for them to be able to eat what they need, and the subsequent effects it has on other species who share their habitat.
Africa’s Serengeti has often been seen as a present day Garden of Eden, the variety of animals, the diversity of terrain, and one animal that dominates them all. The African – or Savanna Elephant. While it shares it home with giraffes, zebras, lions and many more, it is the Elephant who shapes this land. Eating tonnes of foliage every day, and then distributing seeds via its dung (a favourite of the dung beetle) the elephant is planting as it goes, they are the landscapers of Africa. The fertility of this land is what has lead to herds of elephants that can number up to one hundred. Like all elephants, the African Elephant herd is lead by a matriarch, and it is not uncommon to see four generations of these towering graceful giants walking side by side. So come with us as we explore the vast open plains and waterways that make this area so unique and timeless... and learn what it takes to live as a giant.
In the heart of southwestern Africa lies a land of stark beauty and ancient rhythms. Where the harshness of the environment shapes all who dwell here. A trail of footprints tells the tale of a journey that has been repeated for generations. These are the tracks of the true titans of one of toughest terrains on earth – these are the tracks of the desert elephants of Namibia. Once, the desert elephants roamed these sands in the thousands but today, their numbers have dwindled and only around 150 individuals remain. The scarcity of food has meant that any life that is here subsists rather than thrives amongst these dunes that tower up to 300m and constantly shift with the winds. While closely related to their Savanna cousins, the desert elephants have longer legs and boarder feet to help with the soft sand they tread upon, and have become accustomed to using sand and dust to bathe in, rather than the scarce water that they save for drinking. While it may seem that everything is stacked against them, these elephants have just welcomed new members to the family, and where there’s life, there’s hope, so enjoy the journey with these gentle giants of the desert.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Thailand, we learn of the reverence that has deep cultural ties between the people of Thailand and the Elephant. Elephants are a majestic creatures, for centuries they have lived side by side with humans in Asia, but with increasing land-use by man there is less available for Elephants to be wild and free. For too long, people have used the strength of these magnificent beasts to perform tasks as simple as ploughing fields, but also in an increasing number to take tourists for rides. Unfortunately some unscrupulous handlers have worked Elephants to death in some circumstances. This documentary focuses on the importance of National Parks in preserving natural habitat, and also of the smaller, private sanctuaries where people dedicate their lives to saving Asian Elephants. We take into account the amount of food elephants require, and the range required for them to be able to eat what they need, and the subsequent effects it has on other species who share their habitat.