Born To Explore Season 1 Episode 16 Living With Elephants

Born to Explore is a travel documentary series hosted by Richard Wiese that explores some of the world's most fascinating cultures, habitats, and wildlife. Each episode immerses the viewers in different parts of the world and introduces them to the people, customs, and wildlife that make each place unique. In season 1 episode 16, Living With Elephants, Richard travels to Botswana to learn about the behavior and lives of one of the world's most magnificent animals - elephants.

Botswana is known for having one of the largest elephant populations in the world, and Richard is eager to learn more about these gentle giants. He begins his journey by meeting Dr. Mike Chase, a conservation biologist who has been studying elephants for over a decade. Dr. Chase takes Richard on a tour of the Chobe River, where they witness hundreds of elephants gathering to drink and bathe. Richard is amazed by the sight of so many elephants in one place and is fascinated by their social behavior.

Next, Richard visits an elephant sanctuary run by Doug and Sandi Groves. The Groves have dedicated their lives to rescuing and rehabilitating elephants that have been orphaned or injured. Richard is touched by the elephants' stories and is moved by their strong bonds with their caretakers. He gets to know each elephant personally, learning about their individual personalities and habits. Richard also observes the feeding and care routines, such as administering medication and monitoring the elephants' health.

Richard's next stop takes him to the Okavango Delta, where he meets with wildlife researcher Dr. Kate Evans. Dr. Evans studies elephant behavior using GPS tracking and other scientific methods. Richard joins her on a mission to track elephants and gather data on their movements and social hierarchies. Along the way, they encounter a large herd of elephants and observe their interactions and communication.

The final destination on Richard's journey is the Makgadikgadi Pans, a vast, desolate area where elephants have adapted to living in a harsh environment. Richard meets with elephant expert Dr. Karen Trendler, who explains how elephants have evolved to survive in this arid landscape. Richard observes the elephants' unique behavior, such as digging for water in dry riverbeds and using their trunks to fan themselves in the heat.

Throughout the episode, Richard is struck by the intelligence and emotional depth of elephants. He learns that elephants have complex social structures, strong bonds with their families, and even mourn their dead. He also discovers the challenges that elephants face in the wild, such as poaching and habitat loss. However, Richard is inspired by the efforts of conservationists and researchers to protect these magnificent animals and ensure their survival.

Overall, Living With Elephants is an enthralling and informative episode that showcases the wonder and beauty of elephants. Richard's journey takes viewers on a mesmerizing trip through Botswana, introducing them to the people and elephants that call it home. The episode is a must-watch for nature enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates the majesty of the animal kingdom.