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Story

This live-action feature tells a moving tale of two elephant brothers in search of their mother, and the creatures they encounter along the way.

When poachers kill their family, Zef and his younger brother Tutu must find their own way in life. Zef tries to protect Tutu by telling him that their mother was taken up in a rainbow and Tutu is determined to find her. Zef finds it increasingly more difficult to tell Tutu the truth but along the way they meet other orphaned animals: Chump the Chimp, Stretch the Giraffe and Cub the lion cub who all join them in their search.

They encounter many dangers along the way such as bad storms, scary creatures and even scarier men whom they call ‘the badness’. In one scene, Tutu gets lost and Zef gets caught in an animal trap. Chump, however, is very resourceful and manages to free Zef, along with many other trapped animals. Unfortunately, during the rescue, Chump knocks over some petrol cans which set fire to the men’s camp but the animals all manage to escape unhurt.

Eventually Zef, Tutu and their friends all reach an animal sanctuary where they are welcomed and well looked after.

Themes

Animal distress; hunting

Violence

There is some violence in this movie including:

  • Poachers shoot at the elephant herd but all that is shown is gunfire in the night sky.
  • Zef is caught in an animal trap
  • The animals all chase the men who appear scared of them, but they manage to fight back and lasso Zef. They then capture all the animals and tie them up.

Sexual references

None

Alcohol, drugs and other substances

None

Nudity and sexual activity

None

Product placement

None

Coarse language

None

Ideas to discuss with your children

Elephant Tales is a delightful movie with appeal to people of all ages. The scenery and photography are beautiful and the animals are wonderful. One of the main themes is commercial animal hunting and killing. The exploration of this issue might be distressing for young children.

You might like to discuss with your child the values in this movie such as:

  • care and appreciation of the environment
  • conservation and protection of wildlife
  • courage and bravery
  • loyalty.

You could also discuss:

  • what could happen if people continue to hunt and kill wild animals
  • the fact that not all people are bad and that only some people are cruel to animals.

Supported By

  • Department of Social Services

Raising Children Network is supported by the Australian Government. Member organisations are the Parenting Research Centre and the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute with The Royal Children’s Hospital Centre for Community Child Health.

Member Organisations

  • Parenting Research Centre
  • The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne
  • Murdoch Children's Research Institute

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