Larry Laverty

Sri Lanka, First Elephant Survey for My Second Book Pictured here with Rani, a roadside attraction, former logging elephant. Rani was the first captive elephant I spent time with. My first book, on Africa's elephants, brought me familiarity with wild elephants. Now, as I shift gears to a part of the world that has a long history of capturing and abusing elephants, I had to adjust my approach to the survey and my attitude toward what I was seeing. It's horrifying to witness how the gentle and intelligent elephant is treated, but my purpose is to concentrate on documenting what I see. I opened my mouth a few times but quickly was reminded each time that an outsider has no business meddling in things that have gone on as accepted for centuries. So, in time, I'll see what the world community has to say about the way elephants are treated in Asia.

Selected for Membership in The Explorers Club As a result of my efforts to survey the elephants of Africa, from coast to coast, involving travel to 10 nations, and to every habitat type in which elephants survive, I've been invited to join the respected ranks of this scientific society. The Explorers Club celebrates the exploration of our earth and outer space by recognizing individuals dedicated to research and education. Founded in 1904, acclaimed members include John Glenn, Buzz Aldrin, Sir Edmund Hillary, Roald Amundson, and Thor Heyerdahl among others. I'm proud of my membership in this organization and have high hopes that my book will raise interest in saving those elephants of Africa who still survive. 

My Book On Africa's Endangered Elephants Power and Majesty , released last summer, is still available on Amazon.  I explored ten African nations in the process, gathered thousands of photographs, witnessed months and months of elephant behavior, and researched the history of elephants on the continent along with the impact of humanity on their lives.  I hope this book will add to the appreciation owned by elephant lovers around the world, and awaken a caring in the hearts of those people who have yet to know the magic of elephants.

With this post, I begin a new way of sharing thoughts and photographs that define my life. Thank you for taking an interest, thank you for caring.  I wish you great happiness in your life, a life lived to its fullest.       Larry Laverty