ReadingAnimals

Since the Month of Elephants series came to a close, I’ve been intentionally keeping topics broad to balance the overall “portfolio” of topics here at ReadingAnimals. I’m making an exception today to make a quick post about the betrayal of elephants by organizations claiming to be or legally mandated to be their protectors. [...]

The Month of Elephants series has covered a wide range of topics, but good news is scarce these days. That’s why I was especially pleased to see this recent news from Sri Lanka.
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The sources quoted in the story have tried handily to connect the trauma of elephants to the risk of future trauma among people, but only in the context of tourism
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There is no reason to wait when the choice is between compassion and suffering. It’s a shame that Petal was forced to wait for so many decades only to die on the cold, hard floor instead of surrounded by trees, fresh air, bird song and perhaps the company, warm breath or caress of an elephant friend.
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The Month of Elephants series continues with a quick look at some of the hi-tech solutions that are being being put to the test for minimizing human-elephant conflict and improving elephant protection.

The multiple threats that arise from war between people, the guerrilla tactics used by people against elephants due to conflict and other perhaps less intentional, but still lethal consequences of sharing time and space with humans have had devastating effects on the elephants of Sri Lanka

A poignant elephant video that will take just a few moments of your day.

Myths about communication and framing can be a barrier to effective advocacy. What are the take home lessons? For one, resist the urge to respond with raw fact. Check the framing first. (Oh this is hard for me as a scientist!)

A recent report from the vicinity of the Parc National de Virunga in DRC reveals that yet another elephant has fallen victim to the poaching enabled by the “cull” approved by the South African government earlier this month.
“We are very worried because it is starting to look like there is someone in our area who [...]

The Month of Elephants is the ideal time to look at this 2007 essay on the plight of elephants in urban zoos and the ethics of keeping them there.