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)

Gripping!

the audio equivalent of a page turner! one of the best books I've listened to. narration is excellent.

very interesting and moving story

What did you love best about The Elephant Whisperer?

The story was educational as well as anecdotal.

What did you like best about this story?

The story was written by the man who had lived these experiences, and you could definitely feel the depth of his commitment to the animals and their preservation.

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

I thought he did a fine job throughout of communicating the emotions of the story.

Any additional comments?

Excellent listen.

Great story

I was looking for a book about elephants, had just finished 'Elephant Company' which was amazing and needed more. I was worried about the change to African Elephants, from Asian, but what could it hurt?

I have an avid animal lover in my book sharing 'club' and I wanted to share the awe inspiring experience of Elephants with him, but the book 'Elephant Company' was too sad in many parts to recommend to this individual.

This book I am pleased to say is just nice. There was tension, challenges, and plenty of drama, but the real heart wrenching realities were kept minimized, for the over emotional reader.

What I loved most was the author's understanding of what our place should be when it comes to wild animals. There are real lessons in this book which apply to all who venture into the wild in any country/land

The narrator had a great voice which reminded me of those I have met in South Africa while working there, enriched by the slang and sayings of the area and added compassion which i didn't find to be entirely common there.

I recommend this book to anyone who finds it difficult to accept it when they are told that humans are the only animals that are conscious or intelligent, and love the mystery presented by nature.

Written and Narrated with heart!

Would you listen to The Elephant Whisperer again? Why?

I would re-listen this book again, maybe with my kids, to make them appreciate wild life more. I have never been to Africa, so this book gave me a glimpse of this beautiful continent.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Elephant Whisperer?

I like the scene when elephants visited the pool near the villa and scared the tourists. And when Anthony was pleading with the elephants not to break out again.

Great listen!

Really enjoyed this book and love the narrator! Very interesting and would definitely recommend it.

Very interesting story.

The book was a little slow, but overall it was very good. I had never heard of the story and it's interesting to see how close a person to become with such large animals.

Great book!

Very insightful, educational, and entertaining! I couldn't stop listening and loved every minute of it!

Very enjoyable....

Love this book ...highly recommend. It was more of a documentary but still a delight to listen to.

Best animal - human story in years

The writing is mesmerizing, the story is exhilarating because it is true and because of the love he shares with the animals he loves and wants to save. I listen to books as I commute and this book was so engrossing and real that I hated it every time I shut off the car. It really tells you about life in Africa for an animal conservationist and the animals he respects and loves. Makes me want to jump on a plane tomorrow.

Life changing

This was a beautiful life changing book. Everyone would benefit from reading or listening to it. Lovely!