© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Great Read: Elephant Company

Diana Robinson/flickr creativ commons

A man named Billy Williams became a legend during World War II, but not only for his heroic actions; Williams, stationed in Burma, became an elephant "whisperer." The book Elephant Company describes the man's exceptional ability to understand the elephants around him, and the stunning ability of the elephants to understand and communicate with him, in return.

According to Elephant Company author Vicki Constantine Croke, elephants "have extraordinary brains built for memory and insight, and they use them to negotiate one of the most advanced and complex societies of all mammals. To those who have spent time with them, elephants often seem philosophical and perceptive, and appear to have deep feelings […] Their behavior suggests they have an understanding of death, something believed to be rare among nonhuman animals."

Later in the book's fascinating stories, we learn about how the elephants are able to "joke" with their human handlers, and how one in particular, Bandoola, became extraordinarily close to Williams, saving his life and becoming a much-loved "friend." It was Williams who said no human taught him more than the elephants he relied on.

Elephant Company is a can't-put-it-down read, combining the fascinating worlds of elephants, history, and the real meaning of humanity.

Join the conversation on Twitter or Facebook.

GUEST:

  • Vicki Constantine Croke – author of Elephant Company: The Inspiring Story of an Unlikely Hero and the Animals Who Helped Him Save Lives in World War II

MUSIC:

  • “Gne Gne,” Montefiori Cocktail
  • “November 99,” Manu Katché
  • “Number One,” Manu Katché
  • “Modul 44,” Nik Bärtsch’s Ronin

Lori MackJonathan McNicol, and Marian Roy contributed to this show, which has previously aired on January 13 and February 3, 2015.

Tags
For more than 25 years, the two-time Peabody Award-winning Faith Middleton Show has been widely recognized for fostering insightful, thought-provoking conversation. Faith Middleton offers her listeners some of the world's most fascinating people and subjects. The show has been inducted into the Connecticut Magazine Hall of Fame as "Best Local Talk Show".

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content