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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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Sad and Lovely

The authors' description of their efforts to save these wonderful creatures is a heartening break in the painful story that has been coming out of Africa for generations.

It has been nearly a year since I listened to this book, but it lingers in my memory. I have thought many times of the young male with the infected tusk whose misery was misinterpreted by all.

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Great book

Would you listen to The Elephant Whisperer again? Why?

Truly a feel good book.

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

Yes. Love his voice.

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

If you love animals, you must read (or listen to) this book.

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One of the best!

A wonderfully peaceful and engaging book tremendously well performed! Highly recommended and worth the time...

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Get lost in a book

You will be lost in this wonderful book. I was enthralled by these magnificent smart creatures. I was sad to learn the author died last year an amazing man. Get this book

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  • j
  • 07-31-19

what a truly wonderful book

this book is full of love, struggles, heart break, and true dedication to preserving the animals God has so wonderfully allowed us to take care of. I hope to visit soon.

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Best audiobook I've listened to in a long time

It kept me captivated the whole time. Amazing story and perfect narration! And I learned so much along the way.

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It engulfs you and you are right there with them.

This is a beautiful story, wonderfully told and narrated. I felt as if I were there and now have a longing in my heart to visit.

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Exactly what you would expect from the title

Good book, well edited and full of short stories and animal encounters that are wonderful to hear about. I loved my experiences on safari and this book transported me back to Africa, hopefully one day I get to visit again.

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Captivating

I absolutely enjoyed this book and couldn’t wait to get back to it every time I had to put it down. Refreshing and real.

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One of the best books on Audible

I have listened to dozens of books on audible and this is one of the best I have heard. The combination of Anthony’s eloquent, humorous, and moving style of writing and Vance’s unrivaled narration is perfection. I am putting a visit to the Thula Thula game reserve on my bucket list!

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