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Elephant Hunt
In the July 2004 issue of National Geographic, we published a story about elephant hunting in Tanzania by the Barabaig people.

To our profound disappointment, we have learned that we were misled by the photographer and that three of the published photographs do not accurately depict the situation described in the accompanying text.

By publishing this story, we failed our readers. We are currently reviewing our internal procedures to do our best to ensure that this type of mistake does not happen again. In addition, we are re-examining Nicolet’s only previous story for National Geographic ("Hunting the Mighty Python," May 1997); to date it appears that all of the pictures and accompanying captions are accurate.

We apologize to our readers.

William L. Allen
Editor in Chief
07.15.04

Read the Editor’s full statement.

Comments or complaints?
E-mail the forum administrator.

	Name:	Zoltan Gyulai
	E-mail:	mekkora@axelero.hu
	Date/Time:	August 16, 2007 6:48 PM

		I wonder whats going on behind the curtains. This forum used to be available from http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0407 /forums.html?fs=seabed.nationalgeographic.com# Now this link gets to nowhere. This does not just happen, someone has to modify the link. Funny, funny. Please explain..


	Name:	John Paulsrud
	E-mail:	jpaulsru@iupui.edu
	Date/Time:	December 2, 2005 11:38 PM

		I am concerned about the failure to communicate to the many loyal subscribers and others who are waiting definitive word on the situation of the web cam at Pete's pond. Many wait to receive the courtesy of a responce to their many inquires as to the present and future of this project. Our family have been faithful subscribers to NGM for decades. Please cut through teh red tape and give these folks an answer to their questions. John Paulsrud


	Name:	Donna Gallardo
	E-mail:	Leroygal@ecentral.com
	Date/Time:	October 13, 2005 11:30 AM

		please contact NGM customer service for magazine subscription problems http://ngmcustomerservice.com/


	Name:	Ron Bingham
	E-mail:	natgeo@ronbingham.com
	Date/Time:	October 27, 2004 2:07 PM

		Why does this web site still display Nicolet's images and protray him in such a flattering light on some pages? http:// magma.nationalgeographic.c om/ngm/0407/feature4/ assignment1.html


	Name:	Carlos
	E-mail:	dubc@email.com
	Date/Time:	October 9, 2004 11:16 PM

		NG as a scientific publication should publish an article about the techniques and the behavior of the scientific researchers and its own investigation staff including the honest and dishonest procedures they could have used. W. L. Allen has demostrated a scientific spirit publishing the truth not araising how nice or awfull it could be. The lie has been part of the scientific investigation from long time but the sci labour is find the truth over all. Carlos J. Duarte.


	Name:	naturArt: Society of Hungarian Nature Photographers
	E-mail:	Protest-ngm@freemail.hu
	Date/Time:	October 9, 2004 4:34 AM

		National Geographic publishes faked photos, Hungarian society says http://www.naturephoto.hu/home/index_eng.html


	Name:	Nick
	E-mail:	doctornick_99@mac.com
	Date/Time:	October 7, 2004 3:26 PM

		I sure hope Nicolet does not EVER work for National Geographic anymore. Shame on him.


	Name:	jacqueline frost
	E-mail:	jfrost@lshv.org
	Date/Time:	October 1, 2004 3:57 PM

		Your openness in reporting the defects you discovered in the elephant hunt story is laudable. It is rare that publications so quickly and fully admit falsehood.


	Name:	Gary Williams
	E-mail:	mycos@shaw.ca
	Date/Time:	September 30, 2004 11:28 PM

		I can only sympathize, while at the same time congratulate your fine institute, for taking respomnsibiliy for and taking actions to prevent further discrepencies in your portrayal of the worlds priority topics. Although the photo of the elephant hunters with their quarry was dishonest, the depiction of the guilty with a smoking gun, be it the same gun or not, sidesteps the real problem. The photographer portrayed an ongoing an very real event. This is entirely different than the depiction of some fantasy based on some "agenda" having no basis in reality. I personally can...indeed, must overlook this one oversight, given the incalculable contribution National Geographic has made to the conscience of Western civilization.


	Name:	Csaba Godeny
	E-mail:	info@pel.hu
	Date/Time:	September 30, 2004 5:35 PM

		Well, what about the mayfly story (I mean the kingfisher photo published about one year ago)? Details: http://www.naturephoto.hu/home/index_eng.html


	Name:	Meg N.
	E-mail:	saucymegstar@yahoo.com
	Date/Time:	September 30, 2004 10:42 AM

		Thank you so much for striving to provide honest journalism! A nice counterpoint to the recent television media reporting debacle.


	Name:	Pam Wilson
	E-mail:	rosiee@consolidated.net
	Date/Time:	September 30, 2004 10:19 AM

		Your apology is accepted, although I feel it should be Mr. Nicolet who should be asking for one. How sad a story to be untruthful about. Please don't trust him again for any other issues.


	Name:	David
	E-mail:	mnmus@yahoo.com
	Date/Time:	September 30, 2004 9:36 AM

		Good on you for the correction of the Elephant Hunt story. Could you send your ethics manual over to CBS "news"? Those guys need people like y'all running things.


	Name:	Marie Boeck
	E-mail:	marie.boeck@aero.org
	Date/Time:	September 29, 2004 12:43 PM

		Thank you and congratulations on your professionalism!!!! I am proud of you!!! In fact, I may re-subscribe again (altho I never had a chance to read a single issue last year and let my subscription lapse this year)...


	Name:	Todd Brogowski
	E-mail:	tpb3jd@att.net
	Date/Time:	September 29, 2004 11:45 AM

		Your apologia for Mr. Nicolet's dishonesty is admirable and a service to scholarship. I appreciate the effort, Mr. Allen.


	Name:	TheSnakeGuy
	E-mail:	TheSnakeGuy@gmail.com
	Date/Time:	September 29, 2004 10:25 AM

		Good think, Dan Rather doesn't work for National Geographic. That is what an appology should sound like. Note: they never mention that the thrust of the story was correct and that just the photographs were wrong.


	Name:	Brett Carnaby
	E-mail:	bcarnaby@gmail.com
	Date/Time:	September 29, 2004 8:37 AM

		Apoligy accepted, and thank you for the integrity to fully investigate the faked images without having to be dragged kicking and screaming into the admission. Your fine publication shows the sort of integrity others should aspire to. Many Thanks, Brett Carnaby


	Name:	PajamaGuy
	E-mail:	PajamaGuy@SBCGlobal.net
	Date/Time:	September 29, 2004 7:51 AM

		Bravo! Bravo! It's admissions like yours, and unfortunately non-admissions by others that causes us to question the credibility of our information sources. I'm heartened to see you'all are still to be among the shrinking group of trusted sources! Thank-you! PajamaGuy ThePajamaPress.com


	Name:	Miguel
	E-mail:	mikiba@att.net.mx
	Date/Time:	September 29, 2004 4:13 AM

		What a brave and decent way of handeling a mistake like this. Hats off to National Geographic. Would that other media had the same decency. Congratulations for facing the issue and solving it this way.


	Name:	Paul
	E-mail:
	Date/Time:	September 29, 2004 12:04 AM

		Please Federal-Express a copy of this to Dan Rather in New York- wouldya? I'm serious, mail this puppy.


	Name:	Brenda
	E-mail:
	Date/Time:	September 28, 2004 8:40 PM

		Yes, great job on the apology, although perhaps it might prove even more favorable if the apology was a) coming directly from the photographer, and b) actually printed in the magazine from which it originated. As subscribers, we don't pay to come online and verify stories. An issue with which I've struggled is that of the one between ancient ways and modern realizations. The collection of tusks as proof of manhood amongst the Barabaig should be seen as honorable at best, traditional at most. Yet the fact that science has led us to believe in the great intelligence of these beautiful beasts (who happen to grow things out of their faces which are highly prized by certain individuals, for quite different reasons) shows the great strides the human race has taken since the instigation of such ritualistic behavior. In other words, I find honor quite lacking in any man who would rather make an elephant suffer than himself suffer humility (and possibly defeat) by walking away and admiring that which you fear from afar.


	Name:	Tim Chandler
	E-mail:	no_spam@all.com
	Date/Time:	September 28, 2004 8:30 PM

		I'm not surprised at all. Unfortunately National Geographic crossed the line some years ago - it has been quite clear for some time by the slant of your stories what side of the question "Does the end justify the means?" you all support. A suggestion - maybe you could claim that the story and photographs are "fake but accurate".


	Name:	Paul
	E-mail:	paul@digitalconundrum.com
	Date/Time:	September 28, 2004 6:27 PM

		National Geographic Magazine, like CBS, has become agenda-driven. But unlike Dan Rather, when confronted with fraudulent information, fess up and do the right thing. The agenda may be wrong, but at least it's not fraudulent. Kudos.


	Name:	R. Santalesa
	E-mail:	rich@nospam_richnet.org
	Date/Time:	September 28, 2004 5:31 PM

		I'm glad N.G. forthrightly apologized for this situation. As a subscriber since 1969 I've been disappointed with N.G.'s article focus as of late and it's steady tack away from "geography" to style-type of articles. I'd like to see a return to more core stories.


	Name:	Ross Durland
	E-mail:	rdurland@alteatherapeutics.com
	Date/Time:	September 28, 2004 5:03 PM

		Excellent, excellent job, Mr. Allen! This should be a required case study in ethics for journalism students (not to mention a few professionals).


	Name:	Steve Fogarty
	E-mail:	steve@fogartyfoto.com
	Date/Time:	September 28, 2004 4:17 PM

		Kudos to you, Mr. Allen, and to National Geographic Magazine for your quick and transparent apology. Your stock and credibility have risen in mine eyes. I will try to direct some of your peers in the old media to this site, and to your example. Are you listening: Dan Rather, Mary Mapes, Howell Raines?


	Name:	Brad
	E-mail:	coast2capital@yahoo.com
	Date/Time:	September 28, 2004 4:06 PM

		Well said - and bravo for standing up for solid journalistic principles - CBS could take lessons from you.


	Name:
	E-mail:
	Date/Time:	September 28, 2004 2:55 PM

		Stand-up apology. Bravo.


	Name:	Jared
	E-mail:	jcb@bellsouth.net
	Date/Time:	September 28, 2004 2:35 PM

		Here from Instapundit. I echo the below sentiments. BTW, p-u-t-a is masked from repu-tation below because it is vulgar Spanish. Interesting filter you have.


	Name:	Benjamin Robinson
	E-mail:	b3n54m1n@yahoo.com
	Date/Time:	September 28, 2004 2:28 PM

		Job well done. It does not surprise me that your magazine maintains high journalistic standards. It is ashame that your magazine is the exception not the rule. Thank you for your honest reporting.


	Name:	Ted Hales
	E-mail:	sgtted1@cox.net
	Date/Time:	September 28, 2004 2:18 PM

		Good job exposing the attempted fraud in your magazine. Unfortunately, all too often advocates for the environment overlook fraud when it is committed if it supports their cause, such as the mentioned photographs or scientists and activists involved in faked or planted endangered species evidence to halt development or otherwise affect public policy. This "end justifies the means" attitude of activists destroys public trust in environmental science, scientists and the reporting thereof. Bravo to you for correcting the record.


	Name:	Cliff
	E-mail:	cliffelam@mindspring.com
	Date/Time:	September 28, 2004 2:17 PM

		Good for you. I am going to subscribe to your magazine and have both my children read the manner in which you dealt with this issue. Kudos to you. -Cliff


	Name:	Andy
	E-mail:	abarnes@acm.org
	Date/Time:	September 28, 2004 2:03 PM

		Something happened to "r e p u t a t i o n" in my previous post.


	Name:	Andy
	E-mail:	abarnes@acm.org
	Date/Time:	September 28, 2004 2:01 PM

		Congratulations and kudos for your apology about factual errors on this story. I would expect you to find that this INCREASES your positive re****tion for "getting it right." Nobody's perfect, and only the arrogant pretend to be.


	Name:	Glen Willier
	E-mail:	glenwillier@cox.net
	Date/Time:	September 28, 2004 1:57 PM

		You guys are awesome for this correction. I've always respected your publication, now even more. Send your apology process to CBS News <smile>. Thx, Glen Willier


	Name:	John Tuerck
	E-mail:	jtuerck@comcast.net
	Date/Time:	September 28, 2004 1:33 PM

		National Geographic, with its forthright, candid and prompt admission, has retained its readers' respect. The lesson is instructive, particularly in light of the fallout from the CBS episode.


	Name:	Ron Moses
	E-mail:	spam@mktrading.org
	Date/Time:	September 28, 2004 1:18 PM

		Everyone makes mistakes (or in this case, gets lied to). What happens next is a matter of character, and National Geographic has demonstrated theirs admirably. You may insert your favorite anti-CBS comment here. Ron Moses Merrimack, NH


	Name:	Achillea
	E-mail:	aurel66@hotmail.com
	Date/Time:	September 28, 2004 1:18 PM

		I hope CBS and Dan Rather are taking notes. But I'm not holding my breath.


	Name:	Jimmy Antley
	E-mail:	JimAntley5@yahoo.com
	Date/Time:	September 28, 2004 1:13 PM

		Nice job admitting and apologizing for your mistake. Sounds like it's pretty hard to ride herd on every photographer/journalist who may have an agenda. I think CBS TV news could learn a lot from y'all.


	Name:	Joachim Klehe
	E-mail:	Joachim.Klehe@sbc.com
	Date/Time:	September 28, 2004 1:07 PM

		CBS should take a lesson from your gracious and forthright apology.


	Name:	peter bartow
	E-mail:	pbartow@miami.edu
	Date/Time:	September 28, 2004 1:07 PM

		Bravo!!! Well done!!! A lesson in journalistic integrity. Thank you very much.


	Name:	Joachim Klehe
	E-mail:	Joachim.Klehe@sbc.com
	Date/Time:	September 28, 2004 1:07 PM

		CBS should take a lesson from your gracious and forthright apology.


	Name:	Anne Gentleman
	E-mail:	desan@actrix.co.nz
	Date/Time:	September 26, 2004 11:59 PM

		Dear Editor, thankyou for your statment concerning the acurracy of this article which makes the question below all the more relevent. My reason for entering the forum was to ask if you could tell us exactly what area of Tanzania the photos and story were concerned with. My friend who has lived in Tanzania [north west of Babati]for 2 years and myself who visited her for 6 weeks, regularly met up with the Barabaig people, BUT there were NO elephants in that area AT ALL so we were curious to know WHERE was the story based from please. Looking forward to your reply, sincerely Anne Gentleman and Dallas Wilson.


	Name:	Walt Carter
	E-mail:	carter.w.c@att.net
	Date/Time:	September 26, 2004 3:07 PM

		I would like to thank Mr. Allen for his letter. NGM has an outstanding re****tion. I have subscribed to the magazine for over 20 years. The actions of Mr. Allen supports the integrity of the magazine. Again, thanks for calling this to our attention.


	Name:	ana
	E-mail:	focasmar@wanadoo.com
	Date/Time:	September 17, 2004 7:05 AM

		ayudemos a los elefantes ellos nos necesitan. si no los ayudamos ¿que sera de ellos?.tambien tienen el derecho a vivir.¿tienen que pagar con su vida los gustos frivolos de algunas personas por las figuras de marfil que arrancan de sus colmillos?.por favor cambiemos la mentalidad de la gente que esto no lo comprenda. gracias por leer mi mensaje una amiga Ana.


	Name:	Claudia Bellestero
	E-mail:
	Date/Time:	September 17, 2004 3:50 AM

		Why say that you failed your readers when anybody watching National Geographic Channel can see that more than half the sequences are staged or recreated! As far as I know the Channel AND the magazine belong to the same Natonal Geographic Society, right? Why is the Society applying double standards then? Are magazines supposed to tell the truth while TV's can get away with anything??? I simply don't understand. Claudia Bellestero


	Name:	hege
	E-mail:	hegedusgy@yahoo.com
	Date/Time:	September 16, 2004 2:47 PM

		Johny, You are true: more and more staged photos published todays. But far different, if somebody write under the photo, that "it was taken in a zoo" or "it is a staged shot", than to tell that all the pictures show the truth. Lanting always tell the truth about the pictures as far as I know. And far different if somebody take a staged shot, what You will never see in the nature. I do not want to give a magazine to my kids to read, and learn about the world, where the pictures are fake, and shows an unnatural behavior. Regards, Gyuri (if You like cartoons, You will like this: http://forum.fotoklikk.hu/albums/album177/flying_cow.jpg)


	Name:	Alfredo Garza Arzac
	E-mail:	agarzac@hotmail.com
	Date/Time:	September 16, 2004 12:32 PM

		I was very sad to learn that the story about elephant hunt was not totally true; i would like to know what measures were taken against the author and photographer. Also i would like to suggest that you include a brief summary of each author and photographer previous work and assignments in each article you publish like you used to do some years ago


	Name:	Paul Vecsei
	E-mail:	pjv3402@smokey.forestry.uga.edu
	Date/Time:	September 16, 2004 11:39 AM

		Well, all this is certainly bad news but it brings up another point. If photographer and writer traveled together, things like this would not happen. The stories in National Geographic are depicted as if we are seeing the story being told by the author. That is often not the case. I think that often the phtographer and writers have not even met in the field. I miss not having stories where the person on the expedition or adventure is the one taking the photos. They sometimes still do it that way and when they do, i feel more a part of the story. I then get the feel that i am witness to a persons phtographic journal with notes and all....


	Name:	johny
	E-mail:	johny_abarta@yahoo.com
	Date/Time:	September 16, 2004 2:46 AM

		McCurry may even have provided them with the matches!


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