Date Published: 22nd March 2024

Alexander visited Elephant Havens in Botswana on his recent trip back to the country that means so much to him. The work of those involved in Elephant Havens (as mentioned in the 21st book in his No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, How to Raise an Elephant), along with some really lovely footage of their baby elephants, is captured here in a short film (below).

Alexander first came across the work of Elephant Havens when he met one of their founders, Debra Stevens, on a flight from Maun in 2018. He has been a supporter of their work ever since. Some of you may recall that they rescued a young elephant in 2020 and called him ‘Sandy’. He is now four years old and thriving. Read his story here.

This is a remarkable example of human care for nature, a cause which is close to Alexander’s heart. Mats Ögren Wanger, photo journalists and film maker, recorded the visit and we are delighted to share it here.

Alexander found this visit a very humbling and moving experience. He hopes to return soon, both in book form and in real life.

If you would like to know more about the work of the Elephant Havens foundation, you can read more here.

• Photographs of the baby elephants, including ‘Sandy’, copyright Elephant Havens
• Illustration by Iain McIntosh
• Film courtesy of Mats Ögren Wanger