Patricia Sumerling is an Adelaide-based professional historian who believes some of the unresolved tales she comes across in her work are ripe for unravelling and for imaginative reconstruction as distinctively South Australian stories.
Samorn, the Adelaide Zoo's last elephant, was adored by generations of zoo visitors. A gift from the Thai government in 1956, she was transferred thirty-five years later to Monarto Zoo to live out her days. When she died there in 1994 there was an outpouring of sadness from all who knew or grew up with her.
Elephants and Egotists is a tribute to Samorn, but also tells of other elephants sent to South Australia and the colourful characters who decided their fate. Elephants, particularly those in Southeast Asia, are now a critically endangered species needing our concern and immediate action. As Sir David Attenborough asks: 'The question is, are we happy to suppose that our grandchildren may never be able to see an elephant except in a picture book?'
Winner of the 2017 Historical Society of South Australia Keain Medal
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Patricia Sumerling is an Adelaide-based professional historian who believes some of the unresolved tales she comes across in her work are ripe for unravelling and for imaginative reconstruction as distinctively South Australian stories.
ISBN 9781743053997
CATEGORY History
IMAGES Greyscale illustrations throughout
PAGE COUNT 208
DIMENSIONS 210 x 125 mm
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'A heart-rending tale of the characters who cared for or made decisions on the fate of Samorn and other zoo creatures. There are some disturbing revelations about the animal market and, indeed, in Summerling [sic] style, it's a page-turner of a history book. *****' - Samela Harris, Advertiser
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'An interesting and useful historical insight on how we used to look after animals generally and elephants in particular … Sumerling's vivid portrayal of a lovable animal will go a long way to changing our thoughts about animals and their use and treatment.' - Nic Klaassen, Flinders Ranges Research
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'Elephants and Egotists is a book written with great care and love. It is social history at its best.' - Bernard Whimpress, Journal for the Historical Society of South Australia