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The Last Rhinos  By  cover art

The Last Rhinos

By: Lawrence Anthony,Graham Spence
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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Publisher's summary

When Lawrence Anthony learned that the northern white rhino, living in the war-ravaged Congo, was on the very brink of extinction, he knew he had to act. If the world lost the sub-species, it would be the largest land mammal since the woolly mammoth to go extinct. In The Last Rhinos, Anthony recounts his attempts to save these remarkable animals. The demand for rhino horns in the Far East has turned poaching into a dangerous black market that threatens the lives of not just these rare beasts, but also the rangers who protect them. The northern white rhino's last refuge was in an area controlled by the infamous Lord's Resistance Army, one of the most vicious rebel groups in the world. In the face of unmoving government bureaucracy, Anthony made a perilous journey deep into the jungle to try to find and convince them to help save the rhino. An inspiring story of conservation in the face of brutal war and bureaucratic quagmires, The Last Rhinos will move animal lovers everywhere.

©2012 Lawrence Anthony (P)2013 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Narrator Simon Vance is captivating as he recounts conservationist Lawrence Anthony's adventures in seeking to protect endangered animals in Africa... Vance heightens the suspense in these tense moments and is expansive in conveying Anthony's descriptions of life on his Thula Thula Reserve in South Africa and the assorted animals who live there. Anthony's dedication to conservation is admirable, and Vance vividly depicts his efforts for listeners." (AudioFile Magazine)

"A riveting account by a compassionate, dedicated man." (Kirkus)

What listeners say about The Last Rhinos

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What a tribute

Would you consider the audio edition of The Last Rhinos to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version - but I'm going to.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lawrence - of course. He is the epitomy, the father, the mentor, he is the voice for conservation and animals of all types. The planet was better with him on it - but it will forever has his spirit with it.

What about Simon Vance’s performance did you like?

Everything about Simon Vance is superb.

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

It made me laugh and cry. I've bought Babylon's Ark and will read it next - I wish it was on Audio - but alas it is not. This book is a must read for anyone with a heart. The closing of the book felt like we lost the last great Rhino.... anyway - his books will make you want to get up and do something greater than what you're doing presently.... no matter the capacity.

Any additional comments?

I cannot urge you to read this enough.... there are not enough words. ;)

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18 people found this helpful

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A mediocre adventure

I had previously listened to The Elephant Whisperer last year while traveling through Sri Lanka, where I got to see Asian elephants up close. It was a very heartfelt book. Thinking The Last Rhinos would be a similar kind of book I came away somewhat disappointed. We are treated to lots of wildlife adventure, but the rhinos don't take center stage. Instead we learn all about Joseph Kony and the Lords Resistance Army in the Congo. The book descends into a very politically charged story. Later we hear a pretty decent tale of an escaped elephant and how Lawrence gets him to be an integral part of Thula Thula. There is a tragic ending that educates us about the rhinos plight, but there is more to it and I don't want to spoil the ending. This was a decent African bush adventure, and at times I felt like I was transported there. I suppose I still feel Elephant Whisperer was much better. For a really lighthearted African safari try the book Whatever You Do Don't Run, which had me in stitches. I only wish that it had been a bit longer. They mention another book called, Babylon's Ark, which I would gladly pick up, but it isn't on offer here. It was Mr. Lawrence's first book about the rescuing of animals in a zoo in Afghanistan.

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16 people found this helpful

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Front Line Conservation

This book surprised me. First, it is important to note that, unlike the Elephant Whisperer, the rhinos in this book are more in the background; they are not all-pervasive and the personalities and personal stories of individual rhinos are not emphasized. Instead, it is much more a story about what happens outside the reserve, really touching on the human issues that help or hurt conservation efforts: politics, economics, social and welfare elements, war. Anthony's involvement in the Juba Peace Talks between the LRA and the Ugandan government provided a huge portion of this book, and with good reason: it emphasized the dueling roles of war and peace in conservation efforts, and also highlighted other not-so-glamorous roadblocks, like mundane paperwork and the absurdities of bureaucracy.

This book is a fitting addition to Anthony's corpus of conservation memoirs, providing new perspectives and highlighting how even the minutiae of human existence play vital roles in saving (or losing) wildlife species like the white rhino.

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13 people found this helpful

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Fantastic book! Fantastic narration!

I first read the Elephant Whisperer, which I loved! I am always concerned the next book won't be able to live up to my enjoyment of the first, this book does not disappoint!! It is a wonderful story, beautifully written and enchantingly narrated!

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11 people found this helpful

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Hopeful

This book is phenomenal. Though it is about a sad subject, the last rhinos and Lawrence Anthony's determination to save them in the face of poachers, it is hopeful. It helps you believe in humankind's goodness, despite the evil. Lawrence Anthony is one of my heroes and I recommend this book to absolutely everyone.

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11 people found this helpful

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Totally absorbing

Well done in every way. I couldn't tear myself away. The story is nearly unbelievable.

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7 people found this helpful

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Dream Africa

Excellent book. Both the Last Rhinos and the Elephant Whisperer took me on a safari of a man's life who loved Africa. I feel like I was a part of the adventure of his life's work. The details had me dreaming Africa and I hope with the conservation work being done will allow my grand children to dream Africa.

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7 people found this helpful

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Wow - can't get enough!

If you could sum up The Last Rhinos in three words, what would they be?

What a calling!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Last Rhinos?

His meeting with the LRA. Also, his constant love of his beloved elephants and their love to him in return.

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

Yes, the Elephant Whisperer. Masterfully done.

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7 people found this helpful

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Lawrence Anthony inspiration and fascination

He operates with no fear, and all his stories are captivating.
I have read all 3 of his books and fully enjoyed them all. Where they could be initially thought of as too sad or violent to read, that is not the case. Lawrence inspires with his amazing heroics, wit, commitment, and ingenuity. His heartfelt and deep dedication to all that is beautiful and wild is undertaken in a matter-of-fact and intelligent way, driven by his passion for the animals. Fantastic.

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5 people found this helpful

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Incredible

This book is absolutely incredible. One of my all time favorite books. I am amazed and inspired by Lawrence Anthony. I want to be a better person towards animals and others alike after reading this.

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3 people found this helpful