Elephant Talk

On a hot day in the African savannah, a group of elephants searches for food. While foraging they often lose sight of one another. Yet at the end of the day, in one coordinated movement, the elephants suddenly regroup. This coordinated movement—and others like it—has puzzled scientists and caused them to question how elephants communicate with each other. Since the 1990s, scientists have gathered significant data on elephant “talk.” Biologists have determined that elephants use a complex system of communication of at least ten distinct sounds, combined in many variations. Researchers are now asking: what do these sounds mean? As scientists study the elephant sounds that humans can hear, they are also identifying ways elephants communicate through nonverbal behaviors and making sounds too low for human ears. Scientists have realized that elephants even receive messages by using their sensitive feet to feel vibrations in the ground. All of these discoveries are helping elephant researchers better understand elephant behavior. But the elephant’s time as a wild animal is running out. Threatened by habitat loss and illegally hunted for their ivory tusks, elephants are on the brink of extinction. Will understanding elephant talk be the key to saving the species?

Audisee® eBooks with Audio combine professional narration and sentence highlighting for an engaging read aloud experience! On a hot day in the African savannah, a group of elephants searches for food. While foraging they often lose sight of one another. Yet at the end of the day, in one coordinated movement, the elephants suddenly regroup. This coordinated movement—and others like it—has puzzled scientists and caused them to question how elephants communicate with each other. Since the 1990s, scientists have gathered significant data on elephant “talk.” Biologists have determined that elephants use a complex system of communication of at least ten distinct sounds, combined in many variations. Researchers are now asking: what do these sounds mean? As scientists study the elephant sounds that humans can hear, they are also identifying ways elephants communicate through nonverbal behaviors and making sounds too low for human ears. Scientists have realized that elephants even receive messages by using their sensitive feet to feel vibrations in the ground. All of these discoveries are helping elephant researchers better understand elephant behavior. But the elephant’s time as a wild animal is running out. Threatened by habitat loss and illegally hunted for their ivory tusks, elephants are on the brink of extinction. Will understanding elephant talk be the key to saving the species?

Rajiv Surendra was filming Mean Girls, playing the beloved rapping mathlete Kevin Gnapoor, when a cameraman insisted he read Yann Martel's Life of Pi. So begins his "lovely and human" (Jenny Lawson, author of Furiously Happy) tale of obsessively pursuing a dream, overcoming failure, and finding meaning in life. “This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance. I found myself standing dangerously close to the edge of a cliff. Far below me was an incredible abyss with no end in sight. I could turn back and safely return to where I had come from, or I could throw caution to the wind, lift my arms up into the air . . . and jump.” —From The Elephants in My Backyard What happens when you spend ten years obsessively pursuing a dream, and then, in the blink of an eye, you learn that you have failed, that the dream will not come true? In 2003, Rajiv Surendra was filming Mean Girls, playing the beloved rapping mathlete Kevin Gnapoor, when a cameraman insisted he read Yann Martel’s Life of Pi. Mesmerized by all the similarities between Pi and himself—both are five-foot-five with coffee-colored complexions, both share a South Indian culture, both lived by a zoo—when Rajiv learns that Life of Pi will be made into a major motion picture he is convinced that playing the title role is his destiny. In a great leap of faith Rajiv embarks on a quest to embody the sixteen-year-old Tamil schoolboy. He quits university and buys a one-way ticket from Toronto to South India. He visits the sacred stone temples of Pondicherry, he travels to the frigid waters off the coast of rural Maine, and explores the cobbled streets of Munich. He befriends Yann Martel, a priest, a castaway, an eccentric old woman, and a pack of Tamil schoolboys. He learns how to swim, to spin wool, to keep bees, and to look a tiger in the eye. All the while he is really learning how to dream big, to fail, to survive, to love, and to become who he truly is. Rajiv Surendra captures the uncertainty, heartache, and joy of finding ones place in the world with sly humor and refreshing honesty. The Elephants in My Backyard is not a journey of goals and victories, but a story of process and determination. It is a spellbinding and profound book for anyone who has ever failed at something and had to find a new path through life.

Describes the work and observations of American scientist Caitlin O'Connell during her studies of the African elephant in Etosha National Park in Nambia.

This animal book explores the many clever and creative ways animals communicate with each other, from head-turning howls to jaw-dropping dances. For many animals, communicating is as important to their life chances as finding food and water. Animal Talk is a brilliant introduction to ingenious communication strategies in the natural world. Whether it's releasing a cloud of ink to confuse, roaring to intimidate, dancing to attract a mate or howling to locate one another, the range of messaging methods in the natural world is quite astonishing (and sometimes quite disgusting!). Perfect for children aged 7–9, the animal book is filled with intriguing illustrations and spectacular photographs of the amazing, obscure, and unusual. You'll never look at nature the same way again! This captivating animal book for children offers: - A fascinating array of animal communications from a wide variety of different species for children aged 7-9. - Expertly written text and accompanying images to clearly explain each animal communication. - Several sections which break down different animal themes, such as sounds, scents, and signals to make the content easy to understand. - Incredible facts about how animals communicate – including how elephants communicate over huge distances by listening through the soles of their feet, how whales communicate through song, and more. Meet birds and spiders who dance to attract a mate, vultures that are sick on their own food to put off other animals, lions who roar at rival prides to test out their strength, and many more. Animal Talk is a must-have for the animal-obsessed, as well as making an interesting resource for school and libraries. At DK, we believe in the power of discovery. So why not complete the collection? If you liked Animal Talk and finding out about the creative ways that animals communicate with each other, why not check out the other intriguing animal title in the series? How Not To Get Eaten is a book about the many clever ways animals protect themselves from predators in the wild!

A documentary team hiking through East Africa collides with a gang of deadly poachers, in this gripping adventure by the author of Kidnapped on Safari. Years of filming, extreme dangers, and daring rescues have taken their toll on documentary producer Pero Baltazar and his team. To relax and reconnect with the East African wildlife they love, Pero organizes a walking safari for him, his camerawoman Nancy Breiton, and their elite guide Mbuno Waliangulu. Still, Pero has trouble truly disconnecting from work. When the team comes across a herd of elephants making their annual migration north of Lake Rudolf, Pero decides the team will film their journey from Kenya into Ethiopia along the Omo River. What begins as a peaceful trip quickly turns into a chaotic nightmare as the trio crosses paths with a crew of poachers whose ivory sales are financing terrorists. The three are determined to protect the endangered herd from slaughter, and Mbuno enlists the help of local tribesmen. But the corruption of ivory poachers has deep roots that stretch to UN refugee camps, Chinese gangs, and the Iranian elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard. Faced with overwhelming odds, the trio must now rely on Pero’s contacts in the CIA, as well as Mbuno’s skills in the bush, if they hope to ever return from this excursion alive . . .

"Umboo, the Elephant" by Howard Roger Garis is an enchanting children's novel that takes readers on an exciting journey through the jungles of India. The story revolves around Umboo, a young and curious elephant who lives in the lush and vibrant forest. Umboo is no ordinary elephant; he possesses a remarkable intelligence and a keen sense of adventure. His inquisitive nature often leads him to explore new territories and learn about the world around him. As he roams the jungle with his family, he encounters a variety of fascinating creatures and experiences thrilling escapades. One of Umboo's greatest desires is to meet humans, the creatures he has heard so much about. He becomes fascinated by their world and wonders what it would be like to interact with them. However, the jungle's elders caution him against such interactions, warning of potential dangers that humans might bring. Throughout the novel, Umboo's courage and determination are put to the test as he faces various challenges, including encounters with predators and navigating through unfamiliar terrain. Along the way, he forges deep friendships with other animals and learns valuable lessons about loyalty, bravery, and the importance of family bonds. As Umboo's adventures unfold, young readers are introduced to the wonders of the animal kingdom and the lush landscapes of the Indian jungle. Garis's vivid descriptions bring the setting to life, allowing readers to immerse themselves in this captivating world. "Umboo, the Elephant" is a heartwarming tale that celebrates the magic of nature and the importance of respecting and cherishing all living creatures. It carries themes of curiosity, bravery, and the beauty of the animal kingdom, teaching young readers about the diversity and complexity of wildlife. Howard Roger Garis's storytelling skillfully blends adventure and heartwarming moments, making "Umboo, the Elephant" an engaging and memorable read for children and animal lovers alike.