Forest Elephants

CBS/Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson

Last March, "60 Minutes" traveled to the Central African Republic to report on research into the "secret language of elephants." Scientists are monitoring and recording the sound and behavior of rare forest elephants to try to piece together a dictionary.

CBS/Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson

Our trip took us from Douala, Cameroon, to Bayanga in the Central African Republic. Our pilot briefed us before the flight.

CBS/Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson

The flight took us over one of the densest rainforests on Earth, second only to the Amazon Rainforest in South America.

CBS/Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson

Before landing, we crossed the Sangha River, which flows through the Congo Basin along the border between Cameroon and the Central African Republic.

CBS/Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson

Once on the ground, we were met American scientist Andrea Turkalo, who has spent nearly two decades in Africa researching the elephants. She took us to a clearing called "Dzangha," where rare forest elephants like to congregate.

CBS/Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson

A young elephant, enjoying itself in a puddle.

CBS/Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson

Turkalo and fellow researcher Peter Wrege explained why their research into elephant sounds has a practical purpose: poaching. It helps them track elephants.

CBS/Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson

It is estimated that annually ten percent of Dzanga's elephants are killed for their ivory.

CBS/Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson

Correspondent Bob Simon and 60 Minutes producer Harry Radliffe prepare for their upcoming interview with Andrea Turkalo, while enjoying the sights of these amazing creatures.

CBS/Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson

Andrea Turkalo is getting prepped for her interview with Bob Simon.

CBS/Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson

A team snapshot in an unusual place. (From left) Anton Van Der Merwe (soundman), Chris Everson (cameraman), Harry Radliffe (Producer),and Ian Robbie.

CBS/Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson

Associate Producer Magalie Laguerre and correspondent Bob Simon.

CBS/Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson

Andrea Turkalo lives near a village of Bayaka Pygmies, who helped build her camp. On the day 60 Minutes visited, a traveling shaman, dressed to represent the spirit of the forest, was visiting and performing a dance.

CBS/Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson

A typical hut of the Bayaka Pygmy.

CBS/Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson

A Bayaka Pygmy family, posing for a snapshot.

CBS/Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson

Fishing on the Sangha River.

CBS/Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson

Our visit did cause some excitement to the village -- especially among the children, who eagerly checked out cameraman Ian Robbie's gear.