The Elephant Whisperer

My Life with the Herd in the African Wild

By: Lawrence Anthony, Graham Spence

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 10 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Winner, Biography/Memoir, 2014

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.

©2009, 2012 Lawrence Anthony and Graham Spence (P)2012 Tantor

Critic reviews

"An inspiring, multifaceted account, Anthony's book offers fascinating insights into the lives of wild elephants in the broader context of Zulu culture in post-Apartheid South Africa." ( Publishers Weekly)

a great story about elephants!

story pulls you in quickly. I loved his close and intimate connection with the herd.

Entertaining, informative and bittersweet.

Lovely memoir for the armchair travel and for the animal lover. The narration was perfect!

Incredible Story

This book is a must read. It’s a beautiful true story about a game reserve in Africa, it’s caretaker, and a rescued herd of elephants that has left me determined to visit in the future. Any wildlife, nature lover, or adventurer should start listening immediately.

Reads like a good novel

I was intrigued and captivated the entire book. Author is personable and the reader superb.

Lovely, Exciting and so Kind and Sweet

Would you consider the audio edition of The Elephant Whisperer to be better than the print version?

My husband and I listen to the Elephant Whisperer on a long trip. Simon Vance made the story come alive. I'm so glad we listened to it together because we still refer to it as if it was a journey that we took together.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the kindness and understanding this wonderful man had for the Elephants.

What does Simon Vance bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Like I said before Simon Vance made the book come alive. He does a beautiful job telling the story with love and kindness in his voice. Listening was a real pleasure.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Understanding these magnificent beings!

Very Inspirational & touching!!

Would you listen to The Elephant Whisperer again? Why?

Yes, it makes you wonder what's the real purpose of the life. Busy with everyday modern life like we have forgotten why we are here ?

Who was your favorite character and why?

All of them was good characters and very well illustrated.

What about Simon Vance’s performance did you like?

Excellent, almost felt like watching a movie. Different type of tone depending on the situation was great. Outstanding Performance!!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Definitely made me question what I'm doing today, will it really make any difference in the world?

wonderful story

What did you love best about The Elephant Whisperer?

That it's the true story

Who was your favorite character and why?

the top female elephant

Which scene was your favorite?

It was not in the book. Mr. Anthony died recently. The herd of elephant walked for miles to his house stayed for a few hours, turned and then walked away. It was if they knew he had died and came to pay their respects

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

This world will lose it's heart when they are gone

Great narrator and excellent book!

I really loved this book. It was both educational and also a good story. I got through it faster than any other audible book.

Fabulous Book about An African Game Reserve

What did you love best about The Elephant Whisperer?

As wonderful as the rescue of the elephants was, I loved the relationship of all the people with the land and all of the animals.

Any additional comments?

I can't imagine anyone reading/listening to this book and not wanting to visit the reserve.

Loved It!!!

A fantastic book that touches all emotions. A must read for animal lovers and conservationists.