Have you ever wondered if elephants can cry? Or why do grandmother elephants hold such importance? How do elephants mourn the loss of a loved one? These are just a few of the many intriguing questions people have about these magnificent creatures.
In The Incredible Essence of Elephants, the authors delve into the captivating and extraordinary answers to these inquiries and so much more. Drawing on their extensive experience as veterinarians, they provide valuable insights into the origins of elephants, the various types of elephants and their habitats, the notable and influential elephants throughout history, the biology of these incredible animals, human intervention in their lives, and the remarkable similarities between human and elephant behavior, social development, compassion, and grief.
This newly translated book covers a range of fresh and engaging topics, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of one of the most endearing yet often misunderstood species on our planet. By exploring the threats to elephants' habitats and the ways in which they are exploited by humans, we also confront the darker aspects of human nature and our relationship with these majestic creatures. Dr. Changaram Venugopal and Dr. Jacob V. Cheeran remind us of the complexities of the animal kingdom and the importance of keen observation.
Filled with firsthand experiences and expert insights, this book is not only informative but also entertaining. The Incredible Essence of Elephants offers a comprehensive and enjoyable read for anyone with an interest in these remarkable animals.
Cheeran, Jacob V.: - Dr. Jacob V. Cheeran, a veterinarian and pharmacologist, has held various prestigious positions throughout his career. He served as the head of the Pharmacology Department at Kerala Agricultural University and the Head of the Department of Wildlife Sciences in the College of Forestry. Additionally, he was a professor and Chairman of the Elephant Studies Center and a member of the Steering Committee of the Project Elephant and the Central Zoo Authority of the Government of India. With extensive experience in tranquilizing elephants, he has successfully immobilized over 500 of these majestic creatures. Dr. Cheeran has presented on elephant-related topics at numerous conferences worldwide and has been invited to countries such as the USA, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Thailand, and Australia to share his expertise on elephant management, immobilization, and musth in elephants. He has also served as an elephant expert in court hearings. Notably, he holds a patent for an instrument that administers medicines to wild animals from a distance. Dr. Cheeran retired in 2000 and has written several books in both his native tongue and English, drawing from his personal experiences, many of which are reflected in this book. He is a member of several international organizations, including the Asian Elephant Specialist Group of IUCN, and is recognized as a fellow of the National Academy of Veterinary Science. Recently, Dr. Jacob Cheeran has been awarded with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the Indian Veterinary Association.
Venugopal, Changaram S.: - Changaram Venugopal, a veterinarian from Kerala State, India, has a deep-rooted connection to elephants, as they are widely used in festivals in his home region. He gained firsthand experience with various elephant ailments in veterinary clinics throughout his studies. His research project for his master's degree focused on exploring pharmacological agents for animal immobilization. After completing his MS and Ph.D. degrees, he pursued a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University. In 1981, he joined Louisiana State University as a faculty member, where he remained until his retirement in 2014. He currently holds the esteemed title of Professor Emeritus. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades, including the Beecham Award for Research Excellence, Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award, Distinguished Alumni Award, Best Teacher Award, Fulbright Teaching Scholarship, and a patent for developing a peptide for airway diseases. With over one hundred scientific publications to his name, he is recognized as a fellow of the American Academy of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
