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Hardcover
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
ISBN13: 9780312565787
Condition: NEW
Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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When South African conservationist Lawrence Anthony was asked to accept a herd of "rogue" wild elephants on his Thula Thula game reserve in Zululand, his common sense told him to refuse. But he was the herd's last chance of survival: they would be killed if he wouldn't take them. In order to save their lives, Anthony took them in. In the years that followed he became a part of their family. And as he battled to create a bond with the elephants, he came to realize that they had a great deal to teach him about life, loyalty, and freedom. The Elephant Whisperer is a heartwarming, exciting, funny, and sometimes sad account of Anthony's experiences with these huge yet sympathetic creatures. Set against the background of life on an African game reserve, with unforgettable characters and exotic wildlife, it is a delightful book that will appeal to animal lovers and adventurous souls everywhere.
| Customer Reviews: |
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| Inspiring Elephant People |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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This is a great story about an amazing relationship between man and beast set in South Africa. Lawrence Anthony is a real friend of the elephants and elephant lovers will definitely enjoy this book. If you did enjoy it, then you'll also love Sharon Pincott's book `The Elephants and I' - a true story set in Zimbabwe, about her own amazing relationship with some wild, free-roaming elephants in unfenced areas, and all the hassles she's faced trying to protect them. I loved this book too and am constantly inspired by these people.
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| South Africa revisited |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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This is an excellent book. My husband and I vacationed in this area and absolutely fell in love with the wild animals, especially the elephants. We could relive South Africa with this well written book.
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| You Don't Have to Love Elephants to Love This Book |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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A good read is hard to find. And if that's what you're looking for, you've come to the right place. The Elephant Whisperer is a great read!
Here's my take on The Elephant Whisperer:
PROS:
1. Excellent writing, with emotional characterizations of both humans and elephants, draws you effortlessly from story to story.
2. This book develops in the reader an appreciation for the talents of elephants that have been unknown or underrated. For example, who knew that elephants were such phenomenal communicators that they could "talk" to each other over long distances?
3. What does is take to manage a wild life preserve? I'd never thought about it, but I learned that there's more to the job than appears on the surface. You've got to get along with your neighbors, you've got to have money for staff and upkeep, and, above all, you've got to keep your fences mended. All in all, it's a huge effort requiring dedication and lots of love, and author, Lawrence Anthony, is blessed with both, along with a healthy helping of good luck.
CONS:
I found nothing to complain about in this book. I would have liked more pictures and more stories, but that's just me being greedy.
The Elephant Whisperer will add to the quality of your life and your library. Read it today!
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| A beautiful read |
| Customer Rating: 4 out of 5 |
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The title refers not to the human who one would nominally assume
be the whisperer. Instead, the title refers to the elephants
themselves who use deep supersonic rumbles to whisper with
each other and any human who possesses the ability to resonate
with them. If you are in tune with the animals, these supersonic
waves will wash you in a sense of well-being, or dread, as the case may be.
The author of the book appears to be much in tune with these
large creatures, and as a result establishes unbelievable rapport
with the animals to the extent that they appear to know when
his flight 200 miles away is missed and turn away from the
gate where they had gathered to welcome him.
To a good extent, this book reminded me of Joy Adamson's "Born
Free." In both the books, the humans are merely incidental
to the welfare and well being of the animals under their charge.
That they learn to discover great beauty, tenderness,
and humility by the close encounters with a different species
goes without saying. Us humans, full with hubris tend to think
that we are the center of the world. Nothing could of course, be
further than the truth.
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| "...the title of this book...is about the elephants -- it was they who whispered to me..." |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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Life on a South African wildlife preserve is never boring, especially when it gains its very own herd of elephants, the first to return to that part of the bush in a hundred years. Lawrence Anthony tells us his first-person story of the arrival and acclimation of seven elephants who were in danger of being exterminated at their old home. In fact, their escape-artist matriarch died just before the rest of them were shut into their transport. This left them grieving, furious (rampaging and charging), exploiting every possible opportunity for a way out, and completely distrustful of human beings when they arrived at their new home, Thula Thula. Anthony spent copious time near the "boma" (enclosure for new animal inductees) trying to calm them and gain some trust. Later, when the elephants could roam the preserve (with a twenty-mile periphery), he continued to spend time near them, becoming "friends" with the lone male on the cusp of adulthood whom he named Mnumzane (which, in Zulu, means "Sir") and with the new matriarch, Nana.
Elephants are amazing creatures with far-reaching and subtle communication methods (including stomach rumblings). They can apparently "track" a given human being within various ranges because Anthony relates several instances when the herd came to greet him at the fence after he'd been away for a while. They are also curious and social. The Thula Thula herd ventured right up to visitor's lodge one day and invited themselves to dinner. These and many other fascinating encounters are suspensefully told by Anthony (with the assistance of Graham Spence). Anthony clearly is deeply bonded with the elephants, although he knows he must wean himself away as human/wild pachyderm interaction isn't ideal. He cares greatly for all the species that live on the preserve, those that are wild and those that aren't. He tells of the heartbreaking deaths than came in threes. He relates the bravery and foolhardiness of his dogs. And he unflinchingly shows us that even the best intentions sometimes cause elephant deaths.
The animals under his care aren't his only responsibilities. Combating poachers is a dangerous part of the job for Anthony and his assistants, rangers, and guards. It requires detective work, stealth, and courage. Beyond that, Anthony and his fiancee need to cater to the guests who come for tours. Ordinarily that means innkeeper duties, if you will. However, it can also mean defending them with his own life. And if that isn't enough, local tribal pressures, politics, and a possible contract on his life also complicate Anthony's days!
Yes, life is not dull at Thula Thula. The Elephant Whisperer: My Life with the Herd in the African Wild is highly recommended to anyone who desires to learn more about African wildlife preserves, the people who are piloting them into future, and, of course, the magnificent elephants. 4.5 stars.
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