Phoenix Wilder, a 13-year-old newly orphaned American boy, receives word that he is to live with his only surviving relative in Africa. While he quickly falls in love with his new surroundings, Phoenix becomes lost on safari and must learn to survive in the African bush. As the search for Phoenix continues, the boy becomes fast friends with a giant bull elephant he frees from a trap. As they begin to bond, Phoenix learns of the threat his new friend faces in the wild. The brave young teenager ends up taking on a band of poachers who are preying on African Elephants.