The Elephant Whisperer: Learning About Life, Loyalty and Freedom From a Remarkable Herd of Elephants

Product Information

It’s natural, uncluttered by materialism or artificial ethics and it helps me to maintain a wholesome perspective of my own existence and that of my friends and family.

This is a beautifully written story of perseverance, patience, understanding, loyalty, and love that is hard to put down. This memoir about a herd of 'rogue' elephants and conservationist Lawrence on his reserve in Africa is feel-good and informative at the same time. The message comes through loud and clear, that to truly protect any life form is to protect all by living in respectful coexistence with all life forms in the natural world model of life fueled by life. He was the long-standing head of conservation at the Thula Thula animal reserve in Zululand, South Africa, and the Founder of The Earth Organization, a privately registered, independent, international conservation and environmental group with a strong scientific orientation.

Lawrence describes various other wildlife like crocodiles, vultures, rhinos, cobras, buffalos, cheetahs etc. The story can be seen in one vein as the age old struggle between the primal savagery of trigger happy men killing for the thrill of it, and wiser minds trying to protect wildlife, knowing humankind's future is at stake. Against all advice he took on the herd and told that it was their last chance of survival, as they were to be killed if he didn't take them.

There is a powerful, elemental message threaded through this writing about all life forms journeying together, connected, and dependent on each other for existence, which includes humans. It was our second book together, the previous BABYLON'S ARK: THE INCREDIBLE WAR TIME RESCUE OF THE BAGHDAD ZOO also an amazing book. But he was the herd's last chance of survival – dangerous and unpredictable, they would be killed if Anthony wouldn't take them in.More than just feel-good animal rescue story, Lawrence also includes insight on the challenges of running a wildlife reserve and the ever-present danger of poachers. This book gave me all the feels: Joy, worry, fear, happiness, accomplishment, anger, anticipation, and everything in between.

The entire book was informative, not only about elephants, but about other animals, including snakes, vultures, baboons, insects, dogs and more. His previous title, Babylon's Ark, about his involvement in saving the animals in Baghdad Zoo, is being made into a major film.

As was true of Anthony, I knew little about elephants, only what I learned from zoos and documentaries. As Lawrence battled to create a bond with the elephants and save them from execution, he came to realise that they had a lot to teach him about love, loyalty and freedom. Happily, Anthony seemed to understand that a calming presence and personal connection with the lead elephant could make a difference to the herd’s peace of mind.