Dear All,

Portable computers are vital for the work that Petter and I are doing, and my 6-year-old Compaq has needed to retire for some time! Several key functions does not work… The worst aspect of it is that the sound system has gone silent - which isn’t great for someone who works on elephant communication. A “cheap” dollar makes it sensible to buy a replacement when I am in the US on an elephant-related task in late August. We do understand that some of you may feel that computers are rather boring items compared to other field equipment, but without one I can’t do any field work and neither can I bring what I do to share with you when I am on lecture tours. We would be extremely grateful if you would be willing to contribute towards this resource.

We’re happy that the numbers of visitors on our blog is steadily increasing - and any donation is an inspiration to continue what we do for elephants! Thank you for caring!

Best wishes, Joyce

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We would like to inform all visitors to our blog that we will be in California on a fundraising trip later this year. We plan to be in the San Francisco from 7 to 14 November and in Los Angeles 14 - 20 November. We are already busy planning various events. If you are from California we would certainly be grateful for ideas or input regarding our visit - and you can also send an email to us if you want to be invited to any of the events being arranged.

Our research on elephant cognition and communication, our scientific and popular publications, our advocacy work for elephants, our website updates are all dependent on individuals like you. Our blog is just a tiny window into the work we do and we encourage you to visit our website, www.ElephantVoices.org to get a better picture. To continue to protect elephants we need your support.

Best wishes, Petter and Joyce

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New versions of software for photo and video editing are high on our priority list right now. They are essential to our educational outreach, including for this blog on WildlifeDirect, for our website, ElephantVoices, and for lectures.

And after spending a couple of months in a workshop in Nairobi our research vehicle will soon be ready again for Kenya’s rather bumpy roads and the bush.

We are extremely grateful for contributions towards the substantial costs of these two items. We know that there are so many good causes out there worth supporting - and we hope that you make ours one of them.

Meanwhile, we thank Keith M. for an open donation of USD 25.

Best wishes, Petter and Joyce

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Joyce and Petter here,

While we frantically prepare for our field trip to Kenya (we depart tomorrow December 14th) we receive a message that our field vehicle, a rugged 1993 model Toyota Landcruiser, desperately needs repair. As you can see from the pictures, it meets some tough challenges in Amboseli. During the last couple of weeks another researcher has been using it, but because of starting problems it is currently “out of business”. The long list written by a mechanic in Amboseli makes us despair:

• Fuse box, which needs replaced due to a short, which results in overheating and the fuses melting
• Replace rear shock absorbers (x2) as they are very worn and leaking. (TZ reccomends the gas type)
• The universal joint on the prop shaft needs replacing as it is worn and there is a lot of play.
• Replace the top link bushes, which are both worn and cracked.
• The rear silencer is very old and worn and in need of replacement.
• The stabiliser bushes at the front of the car are exhibiting a lot of play and need to be looked at.
• The oil seal on the transfer box is leaking oil.
• Both tire rod ends are very worn and must be replaced as a matter of urgency.
• The hub oil seals are leaking on both thr front right and left wheels.
• Both rear stabiliser bushes need replaced.
• Finally, the front arm bushes are worn, especially on the left hand side.

We are arranging to have the immediate problems dealt with as a matter of urgency, but will have to assess the rest of the long list when we are in Kenya. Being an old bush-car we may have to accept some peculiarities… We are extremely grateful for any contribution towards meeting the substantial costs we will have to face - our dear old Landcruiser is vital for our work and the elephants are totally relaxed around it.

And now the final packing before our AM departure tomorrow… You’ll hear more about our field vehicle and other issues later!

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