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)

The Elephant Whisperer

This is an excellent book full of real life in the African terrain. Drama so intense sometimes that it could have been a fiction page turner. There were certain parts of the African life that I found unpalatable culturally and also from a Christian perspective but references to these were minute. Anyone can tell that this man loved animals and what he learned from them is masterfully portrayed in this book.

Incredible insight into the world of wildlife

I can't begin to describe how much this book impacted me. I work with wildlife myself and feel it is such a privilege to do so. They move in a different world than we do, but share our space. Just reading the introduction got me hooked. Not only did I want to hear every word of this book, I knew I had to have the physical book to have, to keep and look through, so I ordered it immediately.

Lawrence Anthony really understood wildlife. Anyone who would adopt a herd of rogue elephants has my complete respect & admiration. Just reading how he dealt with the elephants and the other animals in the book gave me so much vicarious pleasure. It is such a good read that I could barely put it down. Mr. Anthony writes from his heart.

Just as I was thinking that we so need people in this world like Lawrence Anthony, I discovered that he died of a heart attack in the past year. Devastating! I also read that the elephants, the very same ones that he talks so eloquently about in this book, showed up at his home shortly after he died and stayed there for days. If you read this book you will know why - there was a powerful bond between him and the elephants and the story of how that bond developed is in this book.

Compelling

What made the experience of listening to The Elephant Whisperer the most enjoyable?

I have experienced these amazing creatures in Kruger National Park and two private game reserves in South Africa. I wanted to hear some history.

What about Simon Vance’s performance did you like?

His performance conveyed empathy; however, his accent was more heavily weighted to British than the rich, lilting South African dialect.

Any additional comments?

I was overwhelmed by the author's sobering account of the African elephants' plight. He provides insight into the secretive life of the hierarchy within the herd. These sentient beings touched me by their extraordinary familial interactions.

Book is outstanding

Would you listen to The Elephant Whisperer again? Why?

Although I enjoyed the book, once is enough.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Nana, the matriarch elephant. Loved her personality.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Nana and her herd entered the house garden.

Any additional comments?

Great for animal lovers.

So Incredible!!

What made the experience of listening to The Elephant Whisperer the most enjoyable?

I absolutely LOVE this story - the narrator... ::::swoon:::: wonderful! I haven't even finished the book yet and I had to shout from the rooftops how much I love it. I just want this book to never end.

Which character – as performed by Simon Vance – was your favorite?

Simon Vance is my new crush lol... every character is outstanding....

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

This story is love, it's humanity, and loyalty... it's kindness and shows the connections we CAN have with life...where ever we find it. Gah, I love this book! It makes me want to go to Thula Thula!

I didn't want it to end!

This is a beautifully written and narrated story about a conservationist who truly gets it. He's in sync with his land, his animals and Africa. And the story is breathtakingly authentic and noble. Well worth the time to listen.

Exceptional Book

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes I would recommend this to anyone that has a love or interest in elephants, rhinos and conservation.

What did you like best about this story?

Lawrence Anthony had an amazing connection with these wonderful animals and spent his life trying to protect them. I am sad to know that he is no longer with us.

Have you listened to any of Simon Vance’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I never listened to Simon Vance before but his performance in this already exceptional book was superb.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Many moments moved me to both joy and sadness.

Any additional comments?

I listened to this book in 2 days and will definitely listen to more of Lawrence Anthony's books if made available on Audible.

Africa's heart

enjoy listening and spending some time in Africa at Thula Thula. Someday I will visit this place that has been so expertly painted in my mind.

Ever so touching

I so loved this book: perfectly balanced between scientific wildlife conservation and the humanity of animals.

I want to go to Africa, now!

Loved this book, and if you love animals (all animals), then you'll love it, too!