Filmmaker Werner Herzog ventures into the remote highlands of Angola with naturalist Dr. Steve Boyes for his new documentary, 'The Ghost Elephants.' The film chronicles Boyes' dedicated quest to locate a legendary, elusive herd of elephants, a pursuit Herzog likens to the search for Moby Dick. Dr. Boyes, a National Geographic Explorer, is driven by the possibility of a new mega-species of giant elephants inhabiting Angola's vast, sparsely populated highlands.
Boyes' investigation is partly inspired by the Fénykövi elephant, also known as Henry, the largest land mammal ever documented, which is displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. The Fénykövi elephant, an African bush elephant, was shot in Angola's Cuando River region in 1955 by Hungarian hunter Josef J. Fénykövi. Genetic research suggests that extinct giant elephants were more closely related to modern African forest elephants than forest elephants are to African bush elephants, lending credence to the idea of distinct elephant lineages.
Herzog's signature style, focusing on obsessive individuals and their quests, is evident in his exploration of Boyes' mission. The film delves into the rich traditions of the San bush trackers from Namibia, whose deep understanding of the natural world aids Boyes' search. These trackers, known for their remarkable mimicry and connection to the environment, provide a unique perspective on the Angolan wilderness.
Angola's elephant populations have faced significant challenges. The country's long civil war, which ended in 2003, decimated wildlife, including elephants, with estimates suggesting up to 100,000 were killed for their ivory to fund the conflict. While conservation efforts are underway, with organizations like the Elephant Protection Initiative working to restore wildlife reserves, the "ghost elephants" remain a symbol of the mysteries that persist in the natural world. Recent conservation efforts include the translocation of elephants from Namibia to Angola, aiming to bolster populations and create new conservation areas.
'The Ghost Elephants' is currently in post-production, with a release date yet to be announced. The documentary promises a captivating journey into the heart of Angola, exploring not only the potential existence of these magnificent, hidden creatures but also the profound human drive to seek out the unknown.