Library Journal
Anthony, writing with editor and journalist Spence, is a conservationist who owns and manages extensive property in South Africa and has taken on the daunting task of serving as a buffer between native peoples and endangered species. The title is somewhat misleading: Anthony admits that his book has nothing to do with understanding elephant habits and behaviors. In 1999, the author somewhat reluctantly agreed to foster a herd of elephants that had a longstanding reputation for breaking out of protected reserves and running amuck in the countryside. To prevent the herd from being shot, Anthony took them in to his 5000-acre game reserve. VERDICT Despite Anthony's awards and recognition for his conservation efforts, this book falls short in terms of holding reader interest. The writing doesn't do justice to Anthony's efforts to save these animals. It is drawn out and lacks the spark and engagement that descriptive writing creates in the reader. A disappointment even for those who like memoirs and African wildlife. A marginal purchase. (Photos not seen.) [Library marketing campaign.]—Edell M. Schaefer, Brookfield P.L., WI
Kirkus Reviews
South African conservationist and Earth Organization founder Anthony spins the uplifting story of his wildlife reserve. "In 1999, I was asked to accept a herd of troubled wild elephants on my game reserve," writes the author at the beginning of this robust portrait of Thula Thula, the game land he owns, in cooperation with a number of Zulu tribes, in Zululand-5,000 acres of raw landscape that is thought to have been part of the exclusive hunting grounds of the Zulu king. No longer, since Anthony now runs it as a conservationist lodge, but it continues to produce colorful tales of wild discovery. Most prominent are the many fascinating stories that surround his adoption of the elephants, an unruly bunch he endeavors to make at home on the reserve. With a combination of intuition and experience, the author intelligently discusses many aspects of elephant behavior. But Thula Thula is far more than an experiment in elephant reintroduction; it's a slice of primal Africa home to Cape buffalo, white rhinoceros, leopards, crocodile, deadly puff adders and massive pythons. This, of course, makes it a target for poachers, and Anthony displays a manly, hardened edge. But he also demonstrates sensitivity and nuance in his dealings with Zulu tribal politics, especially when it comes to the cattle ranchers who want to take control of his land. Though the prose occasionally becomes mawkish-as in his "born-free adolescence," remembered "as vividly as a lovelorn youth recalling his first heart-thudding kiss"-Anthony's bone-deep mission is bracing and his courage is inspiring. Energetic firsthand reportage from the heart of the African wild.
From the Publisher
Anthony has made a difference in the lives of many magnificent animals who otherwise would have been lost to the world. When you're feeling down and out and defeated and ready to give up, read this inspiring book and share it widely with others.” —Marc Bekoff, author of The Emotional Lives of Animals
“In my thirty-five years of studying man/animal communication I have met only a few individuals who have the ability to enter into the metaphysical realm of the exotic animal. Lawrence Anthony has been there and back. His wonderfully written book The Elephant Whisperer is a true reflection of his ability to be one of the pachyderms.” —Ralph Helfer, author of Modoc
“A lovingly written tale of close encounters, some beautiful and some frightening, with humans and nonhumans alike. Anthony's story of his trials and tribulations in preserving a herd of African elephants is a parable for the continent.” —Irene M. Pepperberg, author of Alex & Me
“An engaging and vividly personal account, The Elephant Whisperer invites you in, as confidant and confederate, from the first page and holds you rapt to the very last. A compelling reminder of the power and mysteries of the natural world, Thula Thula's elephants are lucky to have a friend like Lawrence Anthony.” —Amelia Thomas, author of The Zoo on the Road to Nablus
“The Elephant Whisperer is every bit as much a page-turner as a novel. … Anyone who remembers Born Free, a personal story of tamed East African lions, will hope this book, too, is destined for the screen.” —San Francisco Book Review
From the Publisher - AUDIO COMMENTARY
"Vance's resonant baritone takes listeners on a wild ride through the South African bush as he gives voice to author Anthony's determined efforts to save a herd of elephants by housing them on Thula Thula, his animal reserve." —Booklist Audio Review
