Collaboration and networking is fundamental to achieving the goals of ElephantVoices. Our web of colleagues, like the social network of elephants, extends far and wide across countries and continents. Even though our formal team is small - the big circle of individuals and institutions that we regularly team up with is far-reaching. ElephantVoices couldn't operate effectively without them, which is why this short introduction is included on this page. We thank all our collaborators, including those from the earliest days, for the discoveries and achievements made possible by working together. A special thank you to all those we continue to work with in Amboseli and Maasai Mara, Kenya, and in Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique, where we have spent most of our field time over the years.

Joyce Poole is Co-Founder and Co-Director of ElephantVoices. She has a Ph.D. in elephant behavior from Cambridge University, and has studied the social behavior and communication of elephants for over 40 years, dedicating her life to their conservation and welfare. Her contributions to science include the discovery of musth in male African elephants, the description of the contextual use of elephant vocalizations, including those below the level of human hearing, and the discovery of vocal imitation.

Her finding that ivory poaching destroys the fabric of elephant society was instrumental to the decision to ban the international trade in ivory in 1989. Her understanding of male elephant behavior, and the importance of social learning and role models in elephant society have been key to the adoption of more humane elephant management practices. Joyce has written two books, numerous scientific papers and popular articles on the subject of elephant behavior and conservation, and has participated in scores of media projects. At the bottom of this page you can watch an animation with Joyce talking about her life passion, elephants, published on Nautilus 6 October 2016.

As head of the Elephant Program of Kenya Wildlife Service from 1990-1994, Joyce was responsible for elephant conservation and management throughout Kenya. Her knowledge and enthusiasm inspired many Kenyans who hold key elephant management positions in the country today. In 1996, she was awarded a Smith College Medal for her elephant research, conservation and training in Africa.

Petter Granli is an economist with broad experience from corporate level management and marketing, and is Co-Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of ElephantVoices. He has worked for many years as a management consultant with special focus on leadership, teambuilding, marketing, and communication. He has extensive experience in different trades as board Chairman or member. Petter was one of the founders of, and headed the Norwegian ecotourism company Basecamp Explorer AS from 1998 to 2001. During that time he initiated the Maasai Mara Cheetah Conservation Project and several eco-friendly, collaborative projects involving the Maasai.

Between 2004 and 2006, Petter initiated and was responsible for a human-elephant conflict mitigation project in the Amboseli ecosystem, affiliated with the Amboseli Elephant Research Project, Kenya Wildlife Service and School for Field Service in Kimana, Kenya. Petter has technical skills and computer knowledge relevant for our online and offline challenges, and comprehensive experience in field operations.

 

Animation with Joyce Poole talking about her life passion, elephants, published on Nautilus 6 October 2016.