This paper aims to open conversations between human and physical geographers interested in the diversity and dynamics of life and ways of ensuring their future flourishing. It brings together a revitalised human geography with recent work in biogeography to develop lively biogeographies for intradisciplinary rapprochement and collaboration. The paper outlines connections and tensions between these fields and examines the resources that they offer for new approaches to conservation geographies. The potential of lively biogeographies is illustrated through a detailed investigation of human–elephant companionship and conservation in Sri Lanka. Multidisciplinary methodologies are provided for tracing human–elephant relationships. Critically exploring examples of contemporary practice, the paper then presents three important dimensions of convivial biogeographies for Asian elephant conservation. These relate to concerns of nonhuman difference, interspecies conviviality and cosmopolitan environmentalism. In conclusion, the paper reflects on some of the challenges that emerge from this new approach to biogeography and appeals for future research and collaborations.