I mentioned a while ago that I was planning to read The Elephant Whisperer. All done.
After all the hype about this book I just had to read it. The subtitle to the book is ‘Learning about life, loyalty and freedom from a remarkable herd of elephants’ and it describes the story in one short sentence. The journey on which Lawrence Anthony takes you is a whole different matter and makes for a easy yet thoroughly entertaining read.
After being asked whether a ‘problem’ herd of elephant can be moved to his game reserve, Lawrence takes us through the trials and tribulations of getting the new herd moved to Thula Thula, getting the reserve ready for the relocation and then deal with the elephants varying moods and unpredictable behavior as the settle into their new home. In between all of this he has to deal with poaching, quarrels with the local communities and running a lodge on the reserve.
The human emotions that Lawrence sees in and attributes to the elephants that might seem to border on anthropomorphism but if you have ever sat watching elephants for an extended period of time you will now that there is something about them that leaves us wondering. Leaves us with thoughts and feelings that you do not get with other animals. Lawrence explores these feelings as he bonds with the various ellies in the herd and watches them grow into themselves and into their new home.
The various highlights, and lowlights, gets told with a great deal of humor as Lawrence has to deal with matters as diverse as elephants breaking out of the reserve and land claims.
This book is a mist for anybody who loves Africa. Actually, it is a great read for anybody who loves animals. It is the perfect X-mas gift for pretty much anybody who has been to an African Game Reserve or live abroad and miss Africa.
You can buy your copy of The Elephant Whisperer from Amazon by clicking here or, if you live in South Africa, from Kalahari.net by clicking here.
On a slightly different note, I have also just finished reading John Smit’s, Captain in the Cauldron. The Springbok rugby captains autobiography is brilliantly written with a open and honest approach to the inner workings of the Springbok rugby team. I know this has nothing to do with wildlife or photography but this book is an absolute must for any sports fan. Great book by an absolute legend of the game. Get your copy from Kalahari.net by clicking here.
During the next few weeks I will be looking at some wildlife and photography blogs so check back for some interesting links and reviews.
Gerry
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