The Elephant Whisperer

My Life with the Herd in the African Wild

By: Lawrence Anthony, Graham Spence

Narrated by: Simon Vance

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)

On the edge of my seat

Now I have loved Elephants since I was a wee lassie, so with a title like this one I would certainly gravitate toward it. There were so many things that went on in the years that this book covers you never knew what the next curve of the ride was going to be.
It did not pull any punches there were sad things and wonderful things and some things that you did not know what was going to happen for sure until the very end. But mostly I was entranced to hear this man's account of these wonderful creatures. Even with his attempt to keep them sort of wild, but the Matriarch trusting him, the sensitivity and intelligence of these giants was evident and what I would have guessed about them.
Now I know that not everyone will rush to read this book, but speaking from my heart where the 5 year old still resides that wanted to keep a big elephant in the living room because it ws the biggest room in the house. Try it and see if you do not smile in your heart.

A step away from anthropocentrism

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

Yes. The story is captivating, suspenseful, and a world away from America. The narration is outstanding. I fell in love with the people and the animals and their collective wisdom, intelligence and ability to communicate.

What did you like best about this story?

It honors non-human life.

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

No.

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

At the beginning, my heart broke for the tragic loss of the original matriarch of the herd. There were many other equally moving moments throughout the story.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend this!

Can Elephants Really Do That?

Very good story. If one is to believe the author, elephants have an uncanny sixth sense to know what is happening half a continent away and to know when people are returning from distant travel even though they are unexpected by their family. The elephants become your friends. My wife, who loves animal stories would rate this a strong five stars.

Elephants Humble a Man

Lawrence Anthony is the proprietor of a game reserve in Zululand, Africa. The name of the game reserve is Thula Thula. He is asked to take a herd of wild elephants who have been causing numerous problems at another reserve. What determines his decision is the fact that if he doesn't "rescue" them, they will all be put down. He also likes the thought of a challenge.

Lawrence had a way with all animals and he was counting on this to save the elephants from certain death. He knew he had to give it a try.

This is the memoir of a man who loved all animals and was taught by the elephants to become a listener. Lawrence worked long and gently with the elephants and was rewarded with a shared kindness.

This memoir is a good and gentle read. I thought the narrator, Simon Vance, did a great job and made the story flow. The characters were well developed and that included some of the animals. There is humor, warmth and sadness. Listening to the book was a pleasant one. I don't think you would be disappointed if you were to purchase this memoir.

The listener is also provided with some education about Africa, its people and its land. I think the words, do unto others as you would have others do unto you would explain Lawrence Anthony's memoir. Enjoy a great listen.

It’s wonderful.

I love stories about unusual relationships, and this is one of the best.

But it needs a pdf file for pictures. Pictures are in the physical book, but the audiobook buyers lose out. There are some pictures on the website lawrenceanthony dot co dot za

As to the story, this is truth stranger than fiction. It’s wonderful to watch a man talk to angry wild elephants. Emotions are communicated both ways. It shows there are other senses than those we normally think about or accept.

The story is what it’s like to run a game preserve in southern Africa. There are problems with employees, poachers, and working with local tribal leaders. And of course problems with the animals. The animals are Lawrence’s family -- his children. There is always some new thing he needs to attend to. But the story is mostly about Lawrence and the elephants. It’s a true story. And it’s fabulous.

Too many true stories are depressing with bad things happening to animals. But this is not. The main animal and human characters do not die. There are some animal deaths, but the ending feels good.

The audiobook narrator Simon Vance did an excellent job.

Genre: nonfiction.

The best of mankind.

If you could sum up The Elephant Whisperer in three words, what would they be?

Compassion, generosity, intuition.

What other book might you compare The Elephant Whisperer to and why?

Gorillas in the Mist.

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

I was always amused when he spoke the part of Francoise.

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

When one of the baby elephants was born with deformed feet and the entire herd stood by trying to shade the helpless infant from the hot sun and trying to get it to stand so it could survive; I found this whole scene very moving.

Any additional comments?

This was an exceptionally well written account of an exceptionally generous undertaking by an exceptional man. With little regard for his own safety or economical repercussions, Lawrence selflessly saved a herd of elephants from death. With incredible intuition and unending generousity, Lawrence gave his time and resources in an effort to bond with these wild creatures in order to not "tame" but to "settle" this herd so that they would not be put to their death. It is a very moving story showing the great intelligence of elephants and demonstrating the best of mankind in Lawrence.

Fantastic Listen!!

At first this started out a bit slow but as I kept listening I truly became sucked in to this true to life story. Loved it and would listen again!!

This book is a privillage

This book is not just a book - this is a privillage to listen.

Journey through the precious lifes of elephants, human behavior and the respect for other
people and cultures makes the listener richer!!! This is money well spend

Wonderful story

I cannot say enough perfect things. Perfectly read. Lawrence Anthony's life on Thula Thula is a dream and true contribution to earth and all its creatures. Highly recommended for a people of all ages.

Worth listening to

Entertaining, very well written and informative! The narrator was able to capture the feeling of the book.