Cynthia Moss (1) (1940–)

This is the type of book that one wants to be reading endlessly. Although a scientist, Moss talks about 'her' elephants with empathy and a deep concern for their well-being, even using that forbidden word 'love' in describing the emotions they evoke. As a wildlife biologist, she is prepared to face the prospect that some interventions will be more disruptive than others, but she shows that her heart is in the right place as she sets her face firmly against as heartless a process as 'culling' show more to manage population densities. She is also right in saying that such islands of wild biodiversity cannot be preserved unless the adjacent human communities are taken into account and support the cause. Her study is of elephants in their family and clan groups, and she shows how individual connections and friendships are often a matter of life and death to these royal masters of the wilderness. A deep understanding of individuals and their temperaments, and of group cohesion and behavior, will surely be of immense help to all managers tackling similar problems of managing wild populations all over the world. show less

Being a wildlife fan I enjoyed learning more about elephants . The book is strong in information related to everyday life of elephants in the Amboseli National Park in Kenya in the 70s and 80s. Sometimes the info is too dryly presented but most of the time it is a great pleasure to read about the incredible interesting mammals. “Elephant Memories” gives invaluable information on conservation, habitats, and the threats of poaching, culling and agriculture on the population .

This true story about Ely, an elephant born in a wildlife refuge at the foot of Kilimanjaro in Africa, is a good independent read for early readers. It contains easy-to-digest facts about elephants and Africa. It's pictures tell the story well, and the story of Ely is endearing and easy to engage in. Ages 8 and up.

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