The Last Rhinos

My Battle to Save One of the World's Greatest Creatures

By: Lawrence Anthony, Graham Spence

Narrated by: Simon Vance

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)

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.

Mesmerizing

I learned so much not only about the Rhinos but about how much Lawrence aided the peace in the Congo. So cool

Great

Good book, brings to life the struggle to preserve and conserve. Full of unforgettable characters that delight and inspire.

Undaunted love

Everything about this book and story was excellent.
Well written and believable. Had moments of renewed hope

Anthony and Spence ( and Vance) do it again!

I have loved all of these books!
I want to visit Thula Thula Game Rrserve now!

Conversation starts with dealing with people

I now understand why this book is not as popular as The Elephant Whisperer. Conservation starts with dealing people and the mess they create. Lawrence, in this book describes what he had to go through to save the northern white rhinoceros- dealing with bureaucracy., LRA and others. Although his efforts failed in saving norther white rhinos, his determination to conserve wildlife inspires all of us.

A must read

I loved the entire book. It’s heartbreaking and magnificent in so many ways. I felt I was present with Lawrence Antony all the way through. I cannot say enough good about his books. His stories have increased the passion I feel for animals as well as sorrow. Humanity has been responsible for their suffering and increasing extinctions. Mr Antony is a wonderful storyteller.

I still think about this book!

Loved that the narrator was the author. Made me laugh and cry. One of the best books I’ve read all year!

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. ;)

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.