barbara bachmann

An incredible film that has everything. It takes the viewer on a complete elephant migration and shows the interconnection between these magestic creatures and the lives of all of the species they interact with from dung beetles, to the different bird species who benefit from the great sweeping trunks of these great giants, to the creatures who bury themselves in the ever fleeting ponds of Africa, and culminating in a huge gathering of over one thousand elephants. It demonstrates their seeming understanding of death and their ability to remember fallen members to whom they show reverence. The elephant is quite literally one of the most important if not the most important animal in its environment and this film shows us why. They create ponds and kept them open which allows all creatures to benefit. They carry seeds for miles replenishing what they have eaten, and their tusks! These wonderful tusks open paths out of wilderness that help all migrating creatures benefit from the paths they create. The elephant is not aggressive and the film even shows how bulls recognize and respect each other, and are able to share. This documentary is so important and I am thrilled that it was dedicated to Satao (killed by poison by cowardly poachers) and Athena (who died of natural causes at the age of around 60 and thankfully avoided poachers during her long life), two of the last Great Tucker’s on earth. Thank you for this educational and magnificent documentary.