The Elephant Whisperer: Learning About Life, Loyalty And Freedom From A Remarkable Herd Of Elephants
When South African conservationist Lawrence Anthony was asked to accept a herd of 'rogue' elephants on his reserve at Thula Thula, his commonse... read full description
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Jun 24, 2011
Brigette
rated it: 
Being an animal enthusiast I am always inclined to eagerly pick up a book with an animal at the center of the story so there was no surprise that The Elephant Whisperer was found in my hands.
Lawrence Anthony, a South African nature conservationist, invites the reader into the world of his game reserve, Thula Thula -which is in Zulu Land, Kwa-Zulu Natal South Africa (not far from where I live). As the title reads, his story is about his relationship with some "troublesome" ele More...
Lawrence Anthony, a South African nature conservationist, invites the reader into the world of his game reserve, Thula Thula -which is in Zulu Land, Kwa-Zulu Natal South Africa (not far from where I live). As the title reads, his story is about his relationship with some "troublesome" ele More...
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Jan 21, 2010
Jim
rated it:
I cried openly the day I found out Steve Irwin died. I’ve always been a naturalist at heart, and I have great respect for those who passionately strive to conserve the animals and plant life of this Earth.
After reading Laurence Anthony’s “The Elephant Whisperer,” I was glad to see a kindred spirit to Irwin, alive and daring, working in his native Africa with local Zulus, game rangers, and international conservationists to preserve the powerful – yet fragile – existence of a herd of More...
After reading Laurence Anthony’s “The Elephant Whisperer,” I was glad to see a kindred spirit to Irwin, alive and daring, working in his native Africa with local Zulus, game rangers, and international conservationists to preserve the powerful – yet fragile – existence of a herd of More...
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Dec 23, 2011
Charmaine
rated it:
Elegantly told; evoking feelings of pride of my South African heritage - our beautiful natural resources and the colourful and tenacious personalities that make up this diverse country.
By sharing his story, I had no need to feel jealous of his lifestyle and privilege to walk with these beasts because I really feel that I was there. That I experienced the relationship and the journey with Lawrence Anthony and that I too had walked with his remarkable elephants.
He also More...
By sharing his story, I had no need to feel jealous of his lifestyle and privilege to walk with these beasts because I really feel that I was there. That I experienced the relationship and the journey with Lawrence Anthony and that I too had walked with his remarkable elephants.
He also More...
Sep 01, 2010
Kiwiflora
rated it:
I have never really been big on reading animal related books. I remember reading 'My Family and Other Animals' by Gerald Durell many years ago (when I was 12) because we had to do a book review of an 'adult' book. I was mildly amused by it, but never really felt 'engaged' with it. I have always had a cat or two or three in my life, plus we had a dog at one stage, but it has really only been since we have fostering motherless kittens over the past couple of years that I understand the 'art' of co
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Jan 08, 2010
Christina
rated it:
I'm started to get bored with the various "whisperers." Especially since most of them don't do any actual whispering to the animals in question.
So I wish this book had a different title.
That aside, this is a fantastic book about some of nature's most beautiful and amazing animals. (I LOVE elephants!)
Lawrence Anthony runs a nature preserve in South Africa called Thula Thula. One day, he gets a call from someone offering him a herd of nine elephants fo More...
So I wish this book had a different title.
That aside, this is a fantastic book about some of nature's most beautiful and amazing animals. (I LOVE elephants!)
Lawrence Anthony runs a nature preserve in South Africa called Thula Thula. One day, he gets a call from someone offering him a herd of nine elephants fo More...
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Nov 14, 2011
Diane
rated it:
I L.O.V.E.D this book and so has every one in my book club. Not only is it a book about one of my favourite animals (the ellie) but it is set in a part of the world closest to my heart, the South African bush.
The book is beautiful and heartwarming and leaves you filled with wonder for our natural world. I learned so much about elephants and their intricate communication systems and sixth sense. Add a lesson in conservation and life in the bush and it left me wanting more.
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The book is beautiful and heartwarming and leaves you filled with wonder for our natural world. I learned so much about elephants and their intricate communication systems and sixth sense. Add a lesson in conservation and life in the bush and it left me wanting more.
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Aug 16, 2011
Jennifer
rated it: 
I can't say that Anthony made me fall in love with elephants, because I've loved them forever. I can't say that he made me want to visit Africa and see them in the wild, because, well, who doesn't want to do that? I can say that I have spent the afternoon looking at Thula Thula, Anthony's reserve, online and wishing I could go there now. Or next summer.
Lawrence Anthony does not just love elephants, he loves all animals. He shares that love with his reader, recounting both succe More...
Lawrence Anthony does not just love elephants, he loves all animals. He shares that love with his reader, recounting both succe More...
Mar 11, 2010
Nancy
rated it:
"The only good cage is an empty cage." That is Anthony's philosophy and he follows it judicially on his South African game preserve. When he adopts a herd of elephants that have been traumatized by human poachers and hunters, he has to befriend them and gain their trust before they become contented residents of the preserve. Elephants are amazing creatures, extraordinarily intelligent, compassionate and intuitive. Anthony's interaction with them illustrates this exceptionally well. I p
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Jun 03, 2011
Sandy
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I picked up this book at a bookstore in South Africa while waiting for a flight to go on a safari. I think the title of the book does not do the story justice. The author, Lawrence, is very persistant and patient with this wild herd of elephants. Many times in the book I found myself wonering if the close calls with wildlife on his reserve were actually as life threatening as he made them out to be, and wondering why he didn't just give up at times. Great story. My only complaint is that towards
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Mar 17, 2011
Our Library
rated it:
I have never been so mesmerised by a book about animals. This is the story of a game reserve in Zululand and conservationist Lawrence Anthony. Anthony rescues a group of "rogue" elephants destined to be destroyed and over a number of months builds up trust with them. At times he puts himself at risk, but one of the rewards is that he forms such a bond with the mammals that they even allow him near to their babies when they are born.
This is a gentle story with characters ran More...
This is a gentle story with characters ran More...
Jun 10, 2011
A good story, but it tends to make elephants seem rare and precious which, in South Africa, they are not. Elephants need to be managed as the amount of damage they cause if left to wander in the open veld is indescribable. This damage causes other species of animals to lose their homes, and for plants to become sparse, and it can lead to extinctions. The international audience tends to see things in black and white, and demands that these undoubtedly intelligent animals be protected at all costs
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Feb 27, 2011
Kelly
rated it: 
Don't be fooled by the title; this book is about much more than elephants in Africa. I learned about all the animals on a conservation park, the dangers of poachers,and the inner workings of Zulu tribes. The book's writing style isn't much to comment on, but I enjoyed learning about the author's life and struggles. Anyone who read Modoc and Water for Elephants and likes the lure of elephants should read this. I've always wanted to go to Africa to tour a game preserve, but after reading this, I k
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Oct 06, 2010
Corinne
rated it:
This book gave me a great insight to what it was like to run a conservation based game reserve in Africa. I loved getting to know the people and animals on the range, and I learned a lot about how conservation reserves work and the local Zulu culture.
The base of this book was the elephants. I enjoyed their story, but it was a little soft for me. The name "The Elephant Whisperer" should have told me that, but I was recommended the book and missed the whole 'whisperer' con More...
The base of this book was the elephants. I enjoyed their story, but it was a little soft for me. The name "The Elephant Whisperer" should have told me that, but I was recommended the book and missed the whole 'whisperer' con More...
Mar 01, 2011
S.R.R.
rated it:
This book was a gift from South African friends. What a treat it was!
Lawrence Anthony recounts with great emotion the struggles and triumphs of taking in a herd of rogue elephants and building up one of the greatest game reserves in Zululand.
It's amazing to see the photos of the massive matriarch elephant caressing Anthony with her trunk, since she is the same animal that only months earlier would have happily stomped him into a mud hole.
http://thulathula.com/en_location.aspx More...
Lawrence Anthony recounts with great emotion the struggles and triumphs of taking in a herd of rogue elephants and building up one of the greatest game reserves in Zululand.
It's amazing to see the photos of the massive matriarch elephant caressing Anthony with her trunk, since she is the same animal that only months earlier would have happily stomped him into a mud hole.
http://thulathula.com/en_location.aspx More...
Mar 05, 2011
Meli
rated it:
I just loved this book. Lawrence Anthonys obviously has huge admiration for all animals but especially the elephants he shares his life with. He writes about the trials and tribulations of setting up a game farm in Zululand and contending with poachers as well as a angry herd of elephants who have basically just been very misunderstood. At times this is a real tear jerker but overall a lovely read and his compassion and intuition with this herd are remarkable.
Mar 03, 2010
Jan
rated it:
Lawrence Anthony's extraordinary story of life, love and friendship on his Thula Thula game reserve in South Africa has left me with a heightened awareness of my own oneness with Nature's animal kingdom. All respect and thanks to the people and animals who serve as the fabric and life core of this amazing adventure.
Lawrence Anthony's heart and humor, courage and conviction are integral to South Africa's heritage and future.
D. Jan Houston, Author
Lawrence Anthony's heart and humor, courage and conviction are integral to South Africa's heritage and future.
D. Jan Houston, Author
Jun 17, 2011
Ashley
rated it:
I think this book was phenomenal!!! Well done again Mr. Anthony. I LOVED Babylon's Ark, I LOVED The Elephant Whisperer also!! What I liked about this book is what emotion, and truth it brings out. It made me emotional. I cried when I heard the fate of baby Thula & his dogs, was upset when I found out Munuzame(something like that>>lol) only had a toothache, and laughed in several parts, and was angry at the poaching in is own reserve. Truely an amazing read. It had wonderful stories. My
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Oct 02, 2011
Karen
rated it:
What a beautiful book. I laughed, I cried and I felt myself relating to Lawrence and taking up his cause as I fell in love with the herd and Thula Thula..... The book is well written and feels more like a story than a auto biography. You almost feel like you're sitting at the campfire at Thula Thula listening to the resorts bush adventures and wondering which of those you'll get to experience on your bush ride :-)
Jan 18, 2011
Kevin
rated it:
If you like African wildlife books, this is sure to please. Author takes in a troubled herd of elephants and finds a way to communicate with them. This is no touchy feely weepy book. The author makes painstaking efforts to keep the elephants wild creatures. There is a coherent storyline, with plenty of vignettes of life in Africa. Overall a pleasure to read.
Dec 07, 2011
Gab
rated it:
Immediately added it to my top five reads and definitely inspired me to one-day-not-too-far-away visit South Africa.
Anthony's descriptions of events and his relationships with the animals has resounded well with me and I can relate (on a more domestic level) with these interactions. His intentions are heartwarming.
Anthony's descriptions of events and his relationships with the animals has resounded well with me and I can relate (on a more domestic level) with these interactions. His intentions are heartwarming.
Sep 12, 2011
Gillian
rated it:
The Elephant Whisperer has been a huge hit in South African book clubs and I can see why. It is the wonderful tale of how Lawrence Anthony rescued a herd of "rogue" elephants and how he rehabilitated them and his game reserve. Am not a huge fan of game reserves but I loved it.
Jan 31, 2012
Claire
rated it: 
a compelling story, particulary to a native South African, but written as a simple narrative. somewhat agrandizing. however against all odds an elephant sanctuary is established, and gradually the herd settles down, so kudos to the author/conservationist.
Nov 01, 2011
Karthik
rated it:
Super Book!! This is a must read for all animal lovers.. Fantastic narration and a wonderful wonderful read :) I wish I could have an elephant for a pet.. But well instead, I might as well read this book once more :)
Feb 13, 2010
If you like African wildlife stories and especially elephants, then this is the book to read.
I liked it very much.
I would love to go visit the preserve and meet the author and his family.
Good story telling!
I liked it very much.
I would love to go visit the preserve and meet the author and his family.
Good story telling!
Aug 22, 2011
Melanie
rated it:
Loved this book and bawled my eyes out in 2 places. Animals rock ... wish we could replace the SA Government with elephants .... clearly they have more sense!!!!
Feb 16, 2010
Sue
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This was a great quick read full of insights into the role of modern nature preserves in Africa, and how amazing elephants are and how little we still know about them.
Jan 11, 2011
Julie
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This book was eloquently written, beautifully told, and I can only hope that one day I might be able to see the place described in these pages for myself.
May 31, 2011
Heather's
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Loved this book. Learned so much about elephants and Africa. Well written, easy read, didn't want to put it down. Highly recommend.
Jan 07, 2012
Valerie
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Really liked this book, the story of a game reserve owner and how he works with wild elephants to acclimate them to their new life in his park. Made me want to go to Africa to see for myself!
Aug 05, 2011
Caroline
rated it:
WOW! One of those books that forever changes your perspective. Engrossing, well written, educational, fascinating. This is a book that will stay with me.
