The Elephant in the Room: Fascinating Facts on Elephants (Video Series)
Join Debbie Ethell for “The Elephant in the Room,” an 11-part series sharing essential facts on elephants. These 5-minute episodes dive into behavior, communication, and conservation in a way you’ve never seen before.
Lisa Westom interviewing Debbie Ethell for The Elephant in the Room video series
An Introduction to “The Elephant in the Room” Video Series
Preview our 11-part journey into the wild of African elephants. We’ll go behind the scenes in Kenya to uncover hidden behaviors, explore the realities of wildlife conservation, and look at how science and the law are shaping their future.
Download the video transcript here.
Why Local Communities Rarely See Elephants in Kenya
Despite being a national symbol, many Kenyan children have never seen an elephant in the wild. This episode explores the surprising reasons behind this disconnect, the logistical challenges of living near wildlife, and why fostering a local connection to elephants in Kenya is vital for long-term conservation success.
Download the Video Transcript here.
The Discovery of Elephant Infrasound: How Do Elephants Communicate?
Explore a remarkable coincidence in scientific discovery when a whale scientist made the unexpected connection that elephants also communicate using low-frequency sounds. We dive into the story of Katy Payne and the discovery of elephant infrasound, revealing extraordinary links between the two species. This breakthrough provided new elephant communication facts, shedding light on how elephants stay connected across vast distances.
Down the video transcript here.
The Pink Tusk Theory: Real Facts About an Elephant with Tusks
It’s time to dispel the viral myth: there is no such thing as dying a wild elephant’s tusks pink to deter poachers. We dive into the reality of the elephant and ivory trade to explain why this ‘solution’ is impossible. We also answer a critical question for conservation: once damaged, can elephant tusks grow back? This episode separates internet fiction from the biological truth of an elephant with tusks.
Download the video transcript here.
Why Elephant Ears are Vital to an Elephant’s Survival
Did you know that elephants use their ears to regulate their body temperature? With no sweat glands, these giants rely on their large, highly vascularized ears to stay cool in the hot sun. This episode explores essential elephant ear facts, revealing how blood flow and surface area work together. But, as it turns out, this is just the tip of the iceberg…
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Questions from our Followers: How Long do African Elephants Live?
In this Q&A, we tackle your most curious elephant questions. We explore how to recognize individuals in the wild and hear the personal story of elephant expert Debbie Ethell’s first encounter with an elephant at age two. We also dive into the biology of aging to answer your questions such as: how long do African elephants live, and share fascinating facts about elephants’ teeth to show how we determine their age in the field.
Download the video transcript here.
Elephant Teeth – The Truth About Tusks and Aging
Discover how elephant teeth reveal their age, health, and history. In this episode, we explain the biological marvel that elephant tusks are teeth–specifically elongated incisors–and how their unique molar system works. We dive into essential facts about elephants’ teeth to show how these massive structures support the survival of Africa’s largest tuskers.
Download the video transcript here.
Elephant Seismic Communication: Signals Through the Ground
Ground vibrations carry hidden signals, and elephants are tuned in. Based on the work of Dr. Caitlin O’Connell, we look at how ground vibrations through elephant feet allow herds to stay in touch even when miles apart. This episode explains the science behind how elephants communicate through vibrations and why elephant infrasound is only part of the puzzle.
Download the video transcript here.
The Poacher: Understanding Wildlife Crime and Protection
Protecting elephants requires understanding the complex operations that threaten them. In this episode, we explore the high-stakes coordination behind the various levels and groups of people involved. We tackle frequently asked questions like: Can elephant tusks grow back? And where ivory comes from. There is one thing that works to protect elephants above everything else, and you’d be surprised just how simple it is.
Download the Video Transcript here.
Elephant Sense of Smell: The World’s Most Powerful Nose
An elephant’s anatomy shows just how crucial their nasal cavity is for survival. An elephant’s sense of smell is extraordinary, far surpassing humans and even expert scent dogs.
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The Preban Certificate: Understanding Ivory Laws in the US
Few documents in wildlife law are as crucial–or as misunderstood–as the Preban Certificate. Required by federal law for the trade of elephant and ivory within our borders, it remains so elusive that even top appraisers rarely encounter one. This episode breaks down the current ivory laws in the US to show how this document has become a major loophole that invites fraud and undermines global conservation efforts.
Download the video transcript here.
Questions from our Followers: How Much Do African Elephants Weigh?
How fast can an elephant really run, and how much do African elephants weigh when compared to the mighty Woolly Mammoth? In this segment, we answer these popular questions and share a few unknown facts about elephants that might surprise you. This episode reveals the personal story of the exact moment that first sparked Debbie Ethell’s lifelong passion for conservation.
Download the video transcript here.
This series was made possible through a generous grant from Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, a company known for its commitment to cruelty-free, ethically sourced products.