Food and protection in the wild
It’s not easy to face the suffering of animals yet millions of people around the world have looked in on the bleak future planned for over fifty of Zimbabwe’s young elephants. It’s a desperate situation but there is a way to help.
The elephant – “a symbol of purity, a dream of paradise lost” (words of Romain Gary in Dear Elephant, Sir)
In 1967 Romain Gary wrote an article that LIFE magazine described as “a love letter to an old companion”. The piece was entitled “Dear Elephant, Sir”. Almost half a century later I, with great nervousness, have attempted a reply on behalf of the elephant. Romain Gary signed off his letter to the elephant with the words “Your very devoted friend” and then his name.
Dear Devoted Friend,
Should you ever read this letter you may wonder what took me so long to reply. I trust that you did not think that I would forget.
The reason for my letter is of course self-preservation. I, like you, know that our destinies are linked.
Zimbabwe’s elephants
Elephants, the big-eared nomads of Africa, are in trouble. They are squeezed for space, many are slain for ivory, and others are sold into captivity.
Zimbabwe, in southern Africa, is blessed with large herds of elephants, some of the happiest on the continent … but there is danger, both from poaching and live export. The elephants are up for sale and buyers are waiting.
The Phraser 