They have roamed the surface of the earth for over 55 million years. From the plains of Africa, elephants migrated into Asia and beyond. Majestic in stature they are largest land animals on Earth. These creatures have fascinated Swiss photographer, Karl Ammann, for decades. They have been the subject of his books and campaigns. Residing in the foothills of Mount Kenya for the past 40 years, Karl has witnessed the wanton killing of elephants in various parts of Africa.

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Frustrated by our indifference, Karl is on a mission to expose the true horror and brutality of the elephant trade. He is most concerned about the crisis in Asia. The Asian elephant population is being decimated: a 50% decline in just the last century. A mere 40,000 remain today.

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Karl uncovers the shocking mistreatment of elephants in China and other parts of SE Asia. These animals are brutalised and chained in cramped metal pens. In the name of entertainment, they’re forced to twirl skipping ropes, kick footballs and spin hoops with their trunks, for laughing tourists.

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He sees their African counterparts slaughtered for ivory to make jewelry trinkets. Now, using hidden cameras, Karl Ammann goes undercover and hunts down these racketeers and exposes this barbaric trade in elephants and elephant products. Following years of filming, infiltrating gangs and placing himself in danger, Karl brings this story to our screens in the hope creating awareness and a better quality of life for some of these captive elephants. Why does he do this: KARL - MAN WITH A MISSION Karl Ammann This is the story of one man’s obsession with exposing the ruthless trade in live elephants and its Chinese nexus. He is a defender of wildlife and a thorn in the side of corrupt officials profiting from this trade.

 

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