The Elephant in the Room Video Series
Join Debbie Ethell in this eleven-part video series, with each episode under five minutes, as she explores elephant behavior, communication, myths, anatomy, and conservation.
Lisa Westom interviewing Debbie Ethell for The Elephant in the Room video series
An Introduction to The Elephant in the Room Series
This short introduction sets the stage for a journey into the world of elephants—uncovering hidden facts, exploring conservation challenges, and revealing how science and the law intersect their story. Watch every episode on YouTube. Download the video transcript here.
Kenyan Children Don’t See Elephants
Surprisingly, most Kenyans, including children, rarely come across elephants, even though they are a national symbol of the country. We examine the reasons behind this, the challenges involved, and the impact it has on elephant conservation efforts. Download the video transcript here.
The Discovery of Elephant Communication
Explore a remarkable coincidence in scientific discovery when a whale researcher made the unexpected connection that elephants also communicate using low-frequency sounds similar to whales. This finding revealed extraordinary links between the two species, shedding new light on how elephants actually communicate. Download the video transcript here.
The Pink Tusk Theory
It’s time to dispel the myth—there is no such thing as dying a wild elephant’s tusks PINK as a way to deter poachers. Seriously? Yes, seriously.
Download the video transcript here.
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, elephants rely on their large, highly vascularized ears to stay cool in the hot sun or warm on chilly nights. But, as it turns out, that is just the tip of the iceberg…
Download the video transcript here.
Elephant Conservation Q&A: Part 1
In this episode, we explore how to determine an elephant’s age, recognize individuals in the wild, and hear about Debbie Ethell’s first encounter with an elephant when she was just two years old. Download the video transcript here.
Elephant Teeth: A Window Into An Elephant’s Soul
Discover how elephant teeth reveal an elephant’s age, health, and history, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of some of Africa’s largest tuskers. Download the video transcript here.
Elephants Can Actually Hear Through Their Feet!
Ground vibrations carry hidden signals, and elephants are tuned in. Dr. Caitlin O’Connell’s work unlocked this astonishing ability. Download the video transcript here.
Who is an Elephant Poacher?
Elephant poaching is a high-stakes operation, carried out by six distinct groups working in deadly coordination. This episode also highlights the conservation efforts fighting back and protecting these majestic giants. Download the video transcript here.
Elephants’ Extraordinary Sense of Smell
Elephants possess an extraordinary sense of smell, far surpassing humans and even expert scent dogs. Their anatomy shows just how crucial this powerful sense must be for survival. Download video transcript here.
What is a Preban Certificate?
Few documents in wildlife law are as crucial—or as misunderstood—as the Preban Certificate. Required by federal law for importing or selling ivory in the United States, it remains so elusive that even top appraisers rarely encounter one. The result is a major loophole that invites fraud and undermines conservation efforts. Download the video transcript here.
Elephant Conservation Q&A: Part 2
How fast can an elephant really run? How does the size of today’s African elephant compare to the mighty Woolly Mammoth? This segment also reveals the moment that first sparked Debbie Ethell’s lifelong passion. Download 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.