Penguin SA

Gareth Patterson, author of The Secret Elephants, began an investigation into the Knysna elephants eight years ago. His findings, detailed in the following interview, lead him to discount the theory that there is only a single elephant left. Patterson argues that a herd - nine pachyderms strong - is in existence.

South African National Parks (SANParks) released a position paper last year stating there is “no reliable evidence” that more than one Knysna elephant, a female, remains.

Nothing has made them change this stand. Not DNA analysis on elephant dung Patterson collected, which found the samples came from five females. Not footage of a Knysna bull elephant captured in a documentary produced by Natural History Unit Africa and Animal Planet that was screened at cinemas in Knysna and Cape Town.

• Complete article in the Mail & Guardian

Book details

• The Secret Elephants by Gareth Patterson
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  EAN: 9780143026136
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