Reinhard Künkel

A massive book that matches its subject matter in monumentality: the very paper seems to suggest that it has been made out of elephant dung (though not stated thus). The first half is given to a series of short text passages, mainly recounting the author's separate encounters with his subject, through which he attempts to describe their temperament, their family life, migratory instincts, behavior patterns (such as their fight-or-flight responses, defence of young, interactions with outsiders, etc.). The remaining half is a gallery of outstanding photographs, some of them stunning in their evocation of their size and dominance, others expressive of their exuberant joy, in each others' company and in their environment, especially water. The author also outlines the threats that these gentle giants are facing in the modern world.… (mais)