The sequel to Cry of the Kalahari, this book takes up where the first began, with the Owenses returning to the Kalahari to continue their study of elephants. After deportation because of their open criticism of the government's soft stance on wildlife conservation, they find their way back to their research station to discover the remains of hundreds of poached elephants. Thus they begin a long struggle to raise consciousness about preservation among the officials, who live off black market ivory, and the villagers, who depend on elephant meat for food. Mark's obsession with catching the poachers leads to vicious confrontations and to intense strain in his relationship with Delia.