THE SECRET ELEPHANTS, The Rediscovery of the World’s most Southerly Elephants by Gareth Patterson

Well known for his work amongst lions and his association with the late George Adamson, Gareth Patterson was moved to investigate the case of the Knysna Elephants. Historically once a vibrant herd, now due to poaching and ever-diminishing land caused by human encroachment, the authorities believed that only one elephant, the ‘Old Matriarch’ still survived. 

In 2001 Patterson began an independent investigation of these elephants. Over a period of seven years walking thousands of kilometres, and with the assistance of specialists in the fields of animal behavior and related sciences, he was able to prove that there was more than one elephant living in the secretive Knysna Forest – indeed there is a vital small herd existing by having adapted to a different biosphere than one normally associates with healthy elephants. 

Giving due recognition to the work of others, particularly to forest guards Wilfred Oraai and Karel Maswatie, this book contains some fascinating information on elephants.  One chapter of interest is that of self-medication and the uses of what nature gives by both animals and humans.  

There is also an intriguing reference on witnesses having seen bipedal ape-like animals. 

One feels the excitement and anticipation when the guards and Patterson track and discover the elephants, there are some thought-provoking comments and also some horrific stories of the hunters of yore.

The Secret Elephants is a well-researched and interesting read.  A map of the area, and especially of the forest with the roads and paths Patterson and his colleagues walked, would have added greatly to the appreciation of the difficult task undertaken and one’s admiration of the hardships the elephants had to overcome just to survive, let alone increase in numbers.

Published by Penguin, October 2009, ISBN 9 780143 026136 rrp R240.

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