THE Last Elephants was launched in Durban to a packed hall at Kloof Junior Primary School last week.
One of the authors of the book, Colin Bell, was on hand to answer burning questions as well as to autograph copies of the book.
“We lost a third of our elephants in 10 years. What’s next? We needed to do something and this is where the book comes in. Nobody knows all of the stories of elephants right throughout Africa. There are some incredible solutions and also huge pit falls but we have to do something to ensure our grandchildren have something to view,” said Colin.
About the book
The Last Elephants, Don Pinnock and Colin Bell, Penguin Random House, ISBN: 9781775846840 (RRP: R490)
The Africa-wide Great Elephant Census report of 2016 produced shocking findings: a decimated elephant population whose numbers were continuing to plummet.
Today, an elephant is killed on average every 15 to 20 minutes. These intelligent and extraordinary creatures are a species in crisis.
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Through the eyes of more than 40 writers, including researchers, conservationists, poets, activists and rangers, this book tells the story of the continent’s elephants and the dangers they face. The narratives are supported by images selected from among Africa’s finest wildlife photographers. The foreword is written by HRH Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge.
Authors Don Pinnock and Colin Bell hope this book will fulfil two wishes. The first is that at CITES 2019, elephants will be up-listed to Appendix I, forbidding trade of elephants or elephant parts across international borders. A second is that those countries that receive and use legal and poached ivory, primarily China, Vietnam, Laos and Japan, will ban and strenuously police its trade and use.
Further, the book is a tribute to the many people who work for the welfare of elephants, particularly those who risk their lives for wildlife each day, often for little or no pay.
The book is now available in all major bookstores.
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