Searching for something more than her high-flying life as an information technology executive, Sharon Pincott traded her privileged first world existence to start a new life with the Presidential Elephants of Zimbabwe: the country's flagship clan of over 450 wild elephants. This biography follows the passionate wildlife conservationist from her home in Australia to the new one she discovers in Africa and chronicles her daily life, from cherishing incredibly intimate encounters with these gentle giants to coping with accusations of being a spy. Written with engaging humor, warmth, and a deep, tangible love of Africa's wildlife, this captivating collection of bush tales offers a further glimpse into the wonders, and grim realities, of choosing a life less ordinary.

'A book to take readers into another world.' - Caroline Jones AO, presenter, Australian Story 'A raw, honest story that needs to be heard.' - Tony Park, bestselling author of An Empty Coast 'This mesmerizing book is not just about a love of elephants, it is also about the indomitable spirit of someone who followed her passion.' - Cynthia Moss, world-renowned elephant specialist, celebrated in the BBC's Echo of the Elephants In 2001, Sharon Pincott traded her privileged life as a high-flying corporate executive to start a new one with the Presidential Elephants of Zimbabwe. She was unpaid, untrained, self-funded and arrived with the starry-eyed idealism of most foreigners during early encounters with Africa. For thirteen years - the worst in Zimbabwe's volatile history - this intrepid Australian woman lived in the Hwange bush fighting for the lives of these elephants, forming an extraordinary and life-changing bond with them. Powerfully moving, sometimes disturbing and often very funny, Elephant Dawn is a celebration of love, courage and honour amongst our greatest land mammals. With resilience beyond measure, Sharon earns the supreme right to call them family.

Noted elephant experts graphically document the slaughter of African elephants and relate their battle to protect the animals from poachers.

Provides an analysis of postwar covert activities by United States intelligence agencies, documenting the early days of the CIA and its operations.

"At the onset of World War II, [Billy] Williams formed Elephant Company and was instrumental in defeating the Japanese in Burma and saving refugees, including on his own 'Hannibal Trek, ' [becoming] a media sensation during the war, telling reporters that the elephants did more for him than he was ever able to do for them"--

An unplanned visit to South Africa's Kruger National Park changed Sharon Pincott's life as she knew it. She was a high-flying Information Technology specialist Down Under, but now she dreamed of working with Africa's wildlife. Eventually, she abandoned her life of privilege and luxury and moved to Zimbabwe - a country in turmoil - to live and work among elephants on land bordering Hwange National Park. It was a startling contrast to her former life. In time, Sharon formed extraordinary relationships with wild elephants, having learned to know them intimately. She treasured escapades with friends, both human and animal, in spectacular remote places. But, as she soon discovered first-hand, the beauty and wonder of wild Zimbabwe had a dark foreboding side. Snaring of wildlife was rife, and when land invaders claimed the area where Sharon's elephant friends roamed, she went into battle for their land and their lives - while fighting for her own wellbeing, in her homeland of choice.

This is the story of American merchants, diplomats, and missionaries in Southeast Asia prior to and during the US Civil War. American relations in Southeast Asia had begun in the prewar years with the work of these individuals and--with subtle variations in duty--would continue throughout the war years. During those years, trade on US vessels had plummeted due to high Union tariffs and fear of Confederate raiders in Asian waters. On the diplomatic front, the turnover rate for consular agents was high, and they lacked naval support from the East Asian Squadron. In contrast, American missionaries in Burma and Thailand--who still served despite reduced budgets, food shortages and ill health--provided a crucial bridge to America. In fact, by making steady achievements in education, medicine, and publishing, the American missionaries, who transcended regional and global differences in Siam and Burma, were the key to closing the knowledge gap, promoting good will, and representing the US abroad. Within these pages, readers can find myriad accounts of American relations with Southeast Asia. Everything is contained in this book: from the King of Siam's letter to President Lincoln offering white elephants to aid the Union (unfortunately, the letter didn't arrive until after the war had ended) to the recounting of Paul Revere's daughter, the wife of a merchant consul in Singapore, of how she rang the bell made by her father to remind sailors of the nightly curfew to former President Ulysses S. Grant's world tour in 1870 during which he promised to improve diplomatic ties with Siam. These accounts of commerce, treaties, and mission work are a testament to the enduring human spirit, enterprise, and pragmatic attitude of these early pioneers of American Diplomacy.