The elephant emerged from the water, a moving wall of gray cut against a startling blue sky. Wild high grasses brushed the columns of her huge legs as she dwarfed the hill that rose behind her. Massive footprints left pools of river water where she emerged from the pond that had slaked her thirst and provided her family an afternoon of muddy play. Gently flapping ears became still; the pads on her great feet sank deep into the earth. She lifted her trunk, stood as if transfixed. Dusk approached and banished a reluctant sun. From miles away, something was coming.

Based on a true story, tells of eight elephants working on the beach in Thailand that sound the alarm and rescue as many people as they can when a tsunami hits.

Why Elephants Cry is a fascinating frolic through the literature and evidence surrounding the use of unusual behavior of animals to measure and predict the environment. The role of animals, from the smallest ant to the biggest elephant, as predictors of environmental changes is framed around the climate crisis, which highlights the increasingly important part that animals will have to play in the future. Renowned biologist Professor John T. Hancock collects anecdotal stories and myths along with scientific evidence, demonstrating that observation of animals can be of tangible use. He looks at the measurement of the air temperature using ants, crickets and snakes, and goes on to assess the evidence that the observation of a wide range of animals can predict the weather or the imminent eruption of volcanoes and earthquakes. Evidence of animals being able to predict lunar and solar events, such as lunar cycles and the Northern Lights, is also considered. This is the only time that all this literature has been brought together in one place, a fascinating reference for anybody interested in animals and the environment. The book is also an ideal supplementary textbook for students studying animal behaviour.

Inspired by first hand reports on child victims and devastated schools after the Sri Lankan tsunami, December 26th, 2004.

The Disaster Risk Reduction challenge badge is designed to help educate children and young people about hazards, disasters, and how the crucial role disaster risk reduction plays for life on our planet. This material is appropriate for use in school classes, Guide or Scout groups and other youth related groups. It includes a wide range of activities and ideas to stimulate learning about disaster risk reduction and promote action in local communities. This booklet includes basic background information on disaster risk reduction. It explains what hazards are and what makes some hazards turn into disasters. It explains the factors that put people at risk, and which groups are more vulnerable. It then provides information on preventing, reducing, and preparing for specific hazards. It explains what is involved in recovery work, and finally, provides concrete actions for making a difference on an individual level. The badge has the following learning and behaviour change objectives: -Learn about the different types of natural hazards and disasters as well as those that have occurred in the past around the world; -Know what disaster risk reduction is and what measures can be taken to reduce disaster risks; -What type of recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction work is being undertaken after a disaster has happened; -Take action on helping yourself, your family and community to be better prepared before, during and after a disaster has occurred.

A brave elephant, Mae Jabu, saves a group of children in southern Thailand during the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster. Suggested level: junior.

Children and adults of all ages will be inspired by this true story of Raju, the elephant who cried tears of joy as he was being freed from a lifetime of captivity and hardship. It is the authors hope that Rajus story will instill a greater capacity for empathy and compassion for all animals, and promote conservationist values in our children from a young age.