The African Elephant (1971) User Reviews

The best African documentary ever made

[Mike-754 · 1 June 1999]

This is the best single African documentary ever made. Simon Trevor follows an elephant from almost the moment of its birth through the seasons as it grows and learns, and its herd experiences good times and draught. It ends with Ahmed of Marsabit, the fabulous tusker who was the only Kenyan elephant ever to be protected by Presidential Decree. Lovingly and exquisitely photographed.

The African Elephant -a hidden gem.

[johnthorpe-34146 · 10/10 · 4 January 2020]

I remember watching this amazing film at the cinema on its release,and even though I was already a confirmed conservationist,the film touched me deeply,and must have had the same effect on most of the audiences who saw it at the time. It was ,to the best of my knowledge,the first wildlife full length film to be shown to a larger cinema audience ,and should be available today on dvd to allow a whole new audience to appreciate it's beauty and message.Apparently,there are either copyright or other considerations involved,but if anyone reading this has any knowledge of the film's whereabouts I would appreciate it if they could contact those involved and ask if a release is possible. This is a piece of wildlife film making history by a respected film maker who is still very much alive and making films.One to treasure.