Elephant Reflections, a beautiful book released by the University of California Press this past May, features gorgeous photography that transcends conventional nature photography. Providing a window into the intimate lives of elephants, the photos would be at home in an art gallery.

Captured by Karl Ammann, the photographs are categorized into themes such as “Colors,” “Textures,” and “Portraits.” The images beg to be scoured over, luring the reader to examine every detail.

The photos are accompanied by an eloquently-written text by Dale Peterson. Peterson’s text informs the reader about many of the captivating behaviors and societal norms of elephants. For example, elephants are thought to use infrasound for long-distance communication. The sounds are too low for humans to hear, but elephants can sense the vibrations from miles away using their large ears and the soles of their feet.

Children will be drawn to the large format photos, while parents and teachers will find the text enhances their appreciation of the images.

Purchase Elephant Reflections at Amazon.com.

You can also learn about elephants here at Animal Fact Guide. Check out our article: African Elephant.

National Geographic has recently released a very interesting book for animal lovers. In the Womb: Animals by Michael Sims, explores the fascinating development from conception to birth of a golden retriever, a bottlenose dolphin, and an Asian elephant.

Beautifully illustrated with ultrasound images of these animals as embryos and fetuses, the book highlights the development of unique physical characteristics that the animals will come to rely on once out of womb.

For example, one section showcases the elephant fetus after four months. At this point, the trunk is recognizable, but it will need the full 18 more months in the womb to continue developing. Once out of the womb, the elephant will use this strong, highly dexterous snout to pick foliage, carry objects, suck water, and use as a snorkel while swimming.

The author also touches upon physical characteristics that provide clues about the animals’ ancestry.  For example, at 3-4 weeks, the dolphin fetus develops hind limbs which later retract and disappear. This suggests that dolphins may have evolved from four-legged land animals.

Intertwined with the three main stories are captivating glimpses into the development and behavior of red kangaroos, emperor penguins, sand tiger and lemon sharks, and parasitic wasps. These mini stories reveal the extraordinary journeys these animals make before they’re even born, as well as provide interesting points of comparison to the three main characters.

It is a fascinating read for animal lovers, but parents should note that reproductive behavior is covered in detail.

The book, In the Womb: Animals, is available at National Geographic’s Online Shop as well as Amazon.com.

You may also be interested in purchasing the documentary DVD, In the Womb: Animals.

The holiday season is upon us, so here are a few gift ideas from the editors at Animal Fact Guide for your animal lover friend or family member.

1. Planet Earth
   This 5-disc series put out by the BBC and narrated by David Attenborough features stunning wildlife scenes, such as a great white shark chasing a seal and a group of starving lions hunting an elephant at night.  Each 50-minute episode focuses on a different region or habitat and offers a rare glimpse at some of the world’s most elusive and fascinating animals.
   Buy it from Amazon »
2. Growing Up Gift Pack
   Animal Planet’s Growing Up… series features a different orphaned baby animal in each episode.  The show tracks the animal’s progress at a zoo or a rehabilitation center until its release into the wild (if possible) or its permanent integration into zoo life.  This 5-disc DVD gift set includes polar bear cubs, infant seals, cheetah babies, wolf pups, tiger and lion cubs, and more.
   Buy it from Amazon »
3. Rainforest Combination Puzzle & Playset
   This handcrafted 18-piece puzzle/playset is made from earth-friendly, sustainable rubberwood hardwood by a self-help group in India.  Serving as both a puzzle and a playset, this gift will provide endless entertainment for children aged 3 and up while sparking analytic thinking and creativity.
   Buy it from Amazon »
4. Zoo Gift Membership
   Purchase a gift membership for your friend or family member to a local zoo or aquarium.  Not only will the gift contribute to conservation efforts, the recipient will also receive free admission and discounts to zoo events. Furthermore, American Zoo & Aquarium (AZA)-accredited organizations participate in a Reciprocal Admission Program, where membership privileges to one zoo/aquarium extends to all partner organizations as well.
   Find a local zoo using the AZA’s zoo finder »
5. Adopt a Wild Animal
   Symbolically adopting a wild animal in danger of extinction is a great gift to those concerned about the world’s wildlife. Several organizations offer gift adoptions for species such as polar bears, pandas, wolves, tigers, and more.  Adoption kits often include a plush toy, a photo, certificate of adoption, and information about how the donation will help that particular animal.
   Adopt from Defenders of Wildlife »
   Adopt from National Wildlife Federation »
   Adopt from World Wildlife Fund »