Who this book is for

This book is for readers who care about the planet, wildlife, and particularly elephants. Elephants are extraordinarily intelligent animals who are aligned with humanity in so many ways – family structure, emotional intelligence, memory, wisdom, and even intergenerational trauma. It’s for seekers who are open to exploring their lives through one woman’s story of grief and loss, awe, and wonder. It’s for photographers, armchair travelers, and book lovers, those of us who like to hold a book in our hands, who see books as art.

WHAT’S INSIDE

Funds raised by the sale of this book funded a 3 day conservation camp organized by CHD Conservation Kenya for Maasai girls in Amboseli in 2022.

Amboseli elephant IDs are from © Amboseli Trust for Elephants

TESTIMONIALS FROM ADVANCE READERS

“The Wisdom of Elephants takes us on an odyssey, teaching us how small and deeply interconnected our world is. Kathy’s personal journey and her message is powerful and profound. She reminds us that our own fate is linked to the fate of these magnificent animals and without them, we suffer more than loss of ecosystem health. We suffer a loss of imagination, a loss of wonder, a loss of beautiful possibilities. This beautiful story is for all of us. Kathy weaves together an inspiring message of hope, showing us how we all have the ability to ignite action to shape the world we want to live in.”

— Ami Vitale, National Geographic Photographer, Nikon ambassador

“What a deeply beautiful book this is!  Big heart, big life lessons told so naturally it is like a safari. In addition to her beautiful and evocative photographs of the elephants of Amboseli, Kathy’s book is one of big heart, big life lessons shared bravely and naturally. She invites us on her safari, on her pilgrimage, so that we, too, can feel, see, and hear the gifts these elephants bestowed on her in the tender days after her mother’s passing—so that we, too, can taste their wisdom.”

— Mary Ann Burris, Founder of the Trust for Indigenous Culture and Health, Nairobi, Kenya

“This book is simply the most beautiful moving and authentic work that I've ever had the privilege to read. I am moved beyond words. I thought I knew these elephants but today I feel like they have been introduced to me afresh. Thank you for sharing yourself so beautifully. This book is a gift to Tim and all the elephants of the world. I love it - so many words in this book resonate with me. This is my book.”

— Dr. Winnie Kiiru – Conservationist, Member of the Board of Trustees of The Amboseli Trust.

“I asked Kathy, ‘Are you a keen photographer and interested to see big tuskers?’ She said ‘Yes!’ I asked her, ‘Do you want to see Tim?’ ‘Yes!’ she replied very quickly. ‘Are you ready?’ ‘Yes, let’s go.’ And that is how it started. The three nights we had together were very special and unique because anything that we wanted to see just showed up automatically. It was like someone was communicating with us and directing us cuz to me it was something very new, I am used to driving for kilometres to find the big tuskers, but it was very easy for us.” 

— Julius Memusi Pilipili, Professional Safari Guide and Photographer 

“The Wisdom of Elephants intertwines spectacular photography, the challenges of wildlife conservation, and the importance of storytelling, to raise awareness of the numerous concerns surrounding Africa’s gentle giants. As one turns the pages and begins to identify with the individual elephants, it is clear that Kathy’s career working with trauma survivors set her up well to understand the plight of elephants as they lose their relatives and territory. Kathy’s stunning images of Africa’s last remaining tuskers are an enduring inspiration to those who care about them, and to those who work for their conservation.”  

— Ryan Snider, Ph.D. Director, Socially Responsible Safaris

About the Author

Kathy Karn is an international award-winning photographer and visual storyteller. She shares her love of African wildlife in stories that entertain, educate, and support conservation in her blog Heartfelt Stories. Her images of elephants have appeared in articles, annual reports, and press releases for conservation organizations and publications such as The Sarara Foundation, Wildlife Direct, The Guardian, Save Giraffes Now and Africa Geographic. Kathy believes when we take care of nature, nature takes care of us.

Kathy hopes her book reminds readers about the healing power of nature. “People and nature are inextricably linked. Photography is a way of seeing that can teach and inspire people to care. When we care, we are more inclined to protect. If my story and images inspire others to take steps towards making the world a better place, then I feel I have made a meaningful contribution.”

“Visual stories are the medium I use to touch hearts and inspire positive change. I enjoy speaking about my travel experiences and photography to camera clubs and interest groups. I offer online and in person talks about the stories behind my images and lessons learned from my travels. Whether you are an armchair traveler or global adventurer, I believe photography and stories can inspire, entertain, and educate us on current issues in wildlife conservation and cross-cultural dialogue.”

Recent Awards and Recognition

• 2023 – Nominated “Climate Champ” in the Blue Dot June 21 Newsletter

• 2023 Giraffe image chosen for Save Giraffes Now thank you card for 2023

• 2022 - 5 images accepted into the Fall ISFA (International Salon of Photography) Photo Awards, 1 Honorable Mention

• 2022 – Image Amboseli Small Family Group included in Wildlife Direct 2021 Annual Report

• 2022 – Solo Photo Exhibition and Book Launch Sept. 17 – Oct. 8, 2022, Strand Fine Art Gallery, London ON

• Featured in the 2022 Special Edition of Nature’s Best Photography magazine devoted to the 2021 Mkapa Awards. See the Top 100 Finalists Gallery here.

• Highly Honored finalist, Nature’s Best 2021 Benjamin Mkapa African Wildlife Photography Awards (Conservation Heroes and Wildlife at Risk)

• 2021 Canadian Association for Photographic Art: Silver Award in Nature – Wildlife Club Competition “Elephant Herd Amboseli Kenya”

• Award of Merit 2021 Merrimack Valley’s Glennie International Nature Salon

• Winner, 2020 Greenpeace Photo Competition

• Semi-finalist, 2020 Nature's Best Photography International Awards

• Featured conversation on the Revelation Project

Contact

Follow Kathy and subscribe to her wildlife stories at kathykarn.com
Website: www.kathykarn.com
Email: kathy@kathykarn.com
Facebook: Kathy Karn Photography
Instagram: @kathykarnphotography

I am available for speaking engagements about The Wisdom of Elephants. I take you to the heart of what it’s like to be up close with the largest land mammal on earth, and share lessons about photographing elephants, visual storytelling skills, and eco-tourism. For more information about having me talk to your group, click here.