Elephants up close

Giants with feeling (1x1)

Air date: Dec 19, 2018

In the two-part documentary, the multi-award-winning animal filmmakers Thoralf Grospitz and Jens Westphalen take the viewer on a fascinating journey through southern Africa and draw a detailed picture of the largest land mammal on Earth. Part 1/2: The gray giants are considered rulers of the savannah. How do the animals communicate with each other? Africa's elephants are the largest mammals living on our planet. Once upon a time, they were spread far beyond the African continent, but the giants are becoming rarer. The hunt for coveted ivory and the spread of human habitat endanger its existence. Only in Botswana, he is with more than 130,000 animals as a secured - strict protection and a consistent anti-poaching policy, thanks. Protected are the majestic and powerful giants, they are considered rulers of the savannah. Their amazing abilities ensure the elephant survives months of drought and blistering heat. Thanks to their highly sensitive senses, the gray giants feel water holes over miles away and their proverbial elephant memory shows them the way to the longed-for source of cooling. The elephants also demonstrate high intelligence in their life together - they are empathetic, helpful and empathic. Their strong sense of family and the ability to communicate over long distances help them to survive. To get to the bottom of the gentle giants' way of life, award-winning animal filmmakers Thoralf Grospitz and Jens Westphalen traveled through southern Africa for more than two years. With their two-parter "Elefanten hautnah" they draw a complex picture of the "icon of Africa" ​​and give intimate insights into the life of the largest land mammals on earth.