20 September, 2006

Random queries no. 78

One of a series of genuine search engine enquiries which successfully brought visitors to the Ministry.  Can I help?

elephant suicide computer graphics

I almost think I know what you're looking for. About a year ago, the BBC broadcast an interesting though annoyingly anthropomorphised documentary about African elephants, in which one elderly individual left the herd to die alone. That's not exactly suicide, and I'm not sure whether CGI was used, but that might be near enough.

Unfortunately, I'm afraid I can't find any specific information about the programme – I'd guess it was an episode of 'Wildlife on One' or similar, rather than a one-off programme promoted individually.

Alternatively (and this seems more likely, really), you may be thinking of Steve Katz's 1999 animated short film 'Protest', in which elephants jump off tall buildings as a protest against the effect of humans on their species.