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Abu the elephant is Botswana's biggest star
March 31, 1997
Web posted at: 5:15 p.m. EST (2215 GMT)From Correspondent Mike Hanna
OKAVANGO DELTA, Botswana (CNN) -- If poundage determined how big a film star is, the actor Abu would probably win hands down.
Even though weight isn't what counts, Abu is a prominent star. While you may not recognize Abu's name, the African elephant has acted in commercials and movies around the world. He's even had a supporting role in at least one Clint Eastwood movie.
The elephant star (19 sec. /3.3M Large QT movie) (19 sec. /876K Small QT movie)
In "White Hunter, Black Heart," Abu comes face to face with Eastwood, who plays a hunter stalking a wild elephant. When Eastwood fails to shoot Abu, the elephant goes right ahead and ruins everybody's day.
Despite his screen image and fame, Abu is a gentle beast much loved by his coworkers.
"I think whenever you see an African elephant, wherever he's being used, more than likely it's Abu," said his trainer, Randall Moore. "I can't say enough about him, he's just so special."
Abu helps with safari trips
Moore found Abu in an American zoo and decided to bring him back home to Africa. When he's not acting, Abu is helping Moore with a decidedly non-acting proposition: a unique safari operation, set up by Moore eight years ago in Botswana, in which visitors view game from elephant-back.
"You don't have the smell of petrol, the nearest water hole is where you fill up at, and there's not a more natural way to go through Africa than on the back of an African elephant," said Moore.
The unique mode of transportation provides tourists with a different view of Africa, as elephant calves amble contentedly alongside. It gives the safari qualities that set it apart from the rest -- at least for those who can afford to pay $1,000 a day for the privilege.
Those who take the plunge, however, find it a rewarding experience.
"We have many people coming back time and time again, and they become an extended part of the family," Moore said.
His immediate family has grown since he and Abu set up shop. Elephants once condemned to a life in a zoo or earmarked for removal from national parks have been given a new life in their native Africa.
"They all have a story to tell," Moore said, "and it's a very interesting herd to be a part of."
Related story:
Related sites:
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- GORP - Botswana Resource Listings - Outdoor safaris and world adventure
- African Safaris - Wilderness, Robin Pope, Landela
- Friends of the Asian Elephant
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