Elephant

Elephant follows a matriarchal elephant family through the dry corridor of the Kalahari as they pursue a possible refuge of green food. Shani and her curious calf Jomo rely on Gaia, the seasoned matriarch, to keep the herd moving along ancient routes from one water hole to the next. They endure brutal heat, dwindling resources, and the constant vigilance of predators, all while the herd teaches the younger generation how to read the land and stay alive. The film emphasizes family bonds, survival instincts, and the fragile balance between a living landscape and the creatures who depend on it, hinting at a future where life remains possible. The film uses close up footage to reveal their intelligence and tender bonds clearly.

Directed by Mark Linfield and David H Fowler, Elephant is a Disneynature documentary narrated by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. It arrived on Disney+ in 2020 as part of the studio's nature series, designed for families to spark curiosity and wonder.

Box office data is not applicable because the film released primarily on Disney+ and did not have a traditional theatrical run. It is part of Disneynature's educational family programming and is used in classrooms and at home to discuss wildlife.

Elephant has contributed to public awareness of wildlife and habitat issues, presenting intimate moments of elephant family life that resonate with audiences beyond nature documentary fans. The film helps spark conversations about conservation, climate effects on migration patterns, and the importance of protecting biodiversity widely for educators and families alike.

Critics generally praised the film for its visuals and its focus on matriarchal leadership within the herd, while viewers responded to the intimate moments and the clear messages about resilience and community. The audience score sits around 7.65 out of 10 from 101 votes. Audience remarks reflect accessible science today.