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The Elephant Whisperer  By  cover art

The Elephant Whisperer

By: Lawrence Anthony, Graham Spence
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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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)

What listeners say about The Elephant Whisperer

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Riveting story!

I didn't know what to expect when I started this book. I was immediately taken in both by the story and the narrator. It chronicles the beginning of a wildlife park in South Africa and the rehabilitation of a misbehaving herd of elephants. The author tells his story, the joys and challenges he and the animals faced in the process. I found myself laughing and crying at alternate times during the course of the book (which got a little awkward when I listened to it while working out at my busy gym)! I strongly recommend this book!

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  • JC
  • 09-09-16

Fascinating story of life on an African reserve

I hated for this book to end. The recounting of the true story of how a group of traumatized elephants found a home on a reserve was inspiring, entertaining and emotional. I highly recommend this if you want to learn more about elephants, wildlife reserves and the challenges associated with both.

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Beautiful

This was an incredible story, very captivating. The reader was an easy listen. Generally have difficulty listening to non-fiction but this was phenomenal!

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Soul moving

Very touching as well as educational on the spirit of Nature and the mystery of it all.

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A beautiful story of dedication and love in the fight for Elephants

This was such an incredible story of love to wildlife, and the dedication beyond what’s thought possible to save the “rogue” group. The lessons reach well beyond the bush in this story. I hope to one day visit Thula Thula with my family to feel the energy that this book was based on.

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  • SP
  • 03-05-23

Touching story

It was an important story that brought to me how incredible elephants are. Hard to stop listening as each chapter kept my attention and new awareness. Great reader!!!

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Soulful Wisdom!

Such a wonderful study of the social nuances present in all tribes, be they elephantine or human. A beautiful love story not to be missed.

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A Wonderful Story

I have always been enchanted with elephants and thoroughly appreciated how on ThulaThula the elephants were treated with compassion and reverence, allowing them to be the wild creatures they are.

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Fantastic

Loved every minute and can’t wait to read the other books! Elephants are such special creatures.

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Fabulous.

I expected a tragic tale of how badly the elephants are faring in a world of decreased habitat and increased apathy, but it isn't that at all. Fascinating detail of behavior and personalities, and enough information on the native tribespeople to help me understand some issues of animal conservation in underdeveloped countries. There are happy, funny, frustrating, amazing, suspenseful, and sad events, as in all of life. An excellent listen. Enjoy

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