Giant Hearts

Elephants are sentient, emotional beings who, perhaps, have more humanity than humans. They still hold on to some of the vanishing virtues of the human race, such as patience reflected in their unhurried pace; humility as evident in their reputation of being gentle giants ; and compassion shown in their care for fellow herd members.

Giant Hearts: Travels in the World of Elephants takes us into the world of the largest land animal on our planet. In this anthology, Jean-Philippe Puyravaud and Priya Davidar have brought writers eminent scientists, bestselling authors, veterinary doctors, photographers and artists who are bound by a common affection for elephants and their desire to halt their extinction. Through articles comprising both personal anecdotes and in-depth research, they bring out the need to adopt a gentler path towards elephants. The book also reminds us that despite the superb advances of science, we still know little about elephants; for instance their curiosity for colours and shapes, as evidenced by the drawings made by elephants that have been reproduced in this book.

Giant Hearts makes a fervent plea to humans to understand and appreciate other species and reverse the present trend of animal extinction.

Dr. Jean-Philipp e Puyravaud is an ecologist and works with the Sigur Nature Trust, dedicated to conservation of biodiversity and endangered species. He resides in India.

Dr. Priya Davidar is a professor of ecology at the Pondicherry University. She spent several years at the Smithsonian Institution and at the Harvard University engaged in teaching and research.