The Elephant Whisperer: My Life With the Herd in the African Wild

Narrated by:
Simon Vance

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
248
Narrator
99
Release Date
December 2012
Duration
10 hours 56 minutes
Summary
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.
Reviews
Profile Avatar
Lauren O.

It is a beautiful story full of heart, danger, and earnest struggle told by someone who has spent a lifetime loving something wild and trying with every fiber of their being to preserve that wildness as nature intended. There is something honest and raw about this book and it is the type that will keep you up into the night listening on to see what happens in the next chapter. The voice of the narrator is very pleasant and you really get a sense of being there on the scene with them. You get to know the personality of each elephant. It is a unique and exciting aufitory opportunity to live this wonderful experience through great story telling. I’d read it again in a heartbeat, although my heart drops with hurried dread during the chapters in which staff are caught harrassing the elephants, poachers are found on the reserve, or cattle men decide to try to take his dream from him once and for all. The book is not a fluffy feel good story. Its an action packed edge of your seat adventure and a chance to take a peek into a world we understand very little about instinctively; a world of greatly intelligent and emotionally deep creatures who have a whole language and system of their own . Read it; you won’t be sorry.

Profile Avatar
Anonymous

A Beautiful story conveyed through a man that has had a life long passion for all animals. The book isn't only a wild ride of situations i couldn't even imagine but ever step of the way I learned so much. I already had an idea of how amazing mother nature was....this book has driven that appreciation that much farther.

Profile Avatar
Pamela Brown

This is one of the most amazing stores I have listened too. Having grown up with the story of Born Free, this story once again shows me the need to learn more and do more for animals. Also, has a great message of recovery.

Profile Avatar
Jeffrey B.

Beautiful and amazing story about a man and the wonderful animals he so admires.

Profile Avatar
Anonymous

This was a very enjoyable story which also does a great job of describing the local tribal culture which was interesting. The narrator was fantastic. I prefer to listen to audiobooks set in places where trying to read the unfamiliar names of places and people are so difficult, usually I give up.

Profile Avatar
Biessy

I found the journey very interesting! I love elephants and the struggle to have these elephants for from completely wild and uncontrollable to peaceful was amazing. Great listen!

Profile Avatar
LILLIAN K.

Thoroughly enjoyable.

Profile Avatar
Leslie P.

One if the BEST audiobooks I've ever listened to!

Profile Avatar
Philip H.

A wonderful book if you love animals. The author describes how he adopted a herd of elephants and adapted them to life in the Thula Thula game reserve in South Africa, where he directed operations. His stories about the elephants, other animals, poaching, running a tourist camp, are so interesting. Through the excellent narration, I could visualize what was happening and how he felt. I could easily see a TV series of his experiences, which range from very happy and rewarding, to exhilarating, to very sad. A true example of the circle of life. I highly recommend this book.

Profile Avatar
Judy S.

I loved this story of an Elephant refuge, and the people who struggled to keep it free from outside sources that endeavored to shut it down or poach, killing elephants and other animals within its borders. The story is rich, full of adventure, love, and care for these endangered, wonderful creatures. The most interesting characters are the elephants themselves, with their varied personalities, intelligence, and sensitivities.

Profile Avatar
Kimberly A.

This book was fantastic!! His experiences are written so that you can easily picture them in your mind and narration is superb. I felt a roller coaster of emotions while reading it and was sad when it ended. Happy to know there are more books of his to listen too.

Profile Avatar
Sarah F.

Made me feel I was right there. Beautiful!

Profile Avatar
Rodney B.

One of the two best listens I have heard on Audiobooks. The book is gripping, and very exciting in parts. I really learned what it would be like to live in that area of Africa. So I know I won't live there. The reading was so real, I thought the voice was that of the author. Simon Vance did a great job. Sometimes I look for other books that a reader has narrated because a good reader can make a so-so book come alive.

Profile Avatar
John R.

Inspiring and heartbreaking, descriptions of animals made me feel like I had a personal connection to them and the African landscape. Did not want it to end and I plan to search for any updates I can find about the herd, the author and the preserve because I'm invested in their success. Would listen to anything Simon Vance narrates, he always does a great job.

Profile Avatar
Rosemary C.

One of my favorite memoirs! So so wonderfully explained. Wildlife is not foreign to us. We are all in this together and we must share the care for us all to coexist. Very tender story. Thanks to Lawrence Anthony and graham Spence for sharing this powerful loving story.

Profile Avatar
Anonymous

Loved this book! Beautiful story.

Profile Avatar
Paulette T.

This book had all the elements of pathos, adventure, and suspense of a novel, yet the events were real and very touching. I was captivated and couldn't wait to hear more. The narrator did a great job! Thank God that there are people out there like Anthony committed to saving the wild!

Profile Avatar
Patricia G.

Any animal lover will not be able to stop listening!

Profile Avatar
Mark S.

I just loved this book. We have just scratched the surface of our ability to create communicate with the animal kingdom.

Profile Avatar
B. K. J.

Absolutely loved this beautifully written book & the narrator was superb!

Profile Avatar
Mary M.

This was an amazing story. I laughed, cried and cheered though the entire book.

Profile Avatar
Phyllis S.

I loved this book and did not want it to end. Such a beautiful description of care for God's creatures. This reading gave me a renewed sense of our need to care for Mother Earth and all creation.

Profile Avatar
Jamie

I thought this book was well written. I was pulled in immediately! The narrator was excellent! I learned a lot about elephants too! I highly recommend if you are even just a little bit of an animal lover :) It won’t disappoint!

Profile Avatar
Kim G

What a humbling, amazing, incredible story! I have become an elephant fan for life!

Profile Avatar
Tina A.

I absolutely loved this book!

Profile Avatar
Madeleine K.

An amazing life lead with dignity and purpose is always inspiring. As a game reserve owner and conservationist, Graham Spence telling the story of Thule Tula is extremely inspiring. The author’s knowledge and insight in the Zulu culture, his passion for African wildlife leap into the listener’s brain. The complex tribal and government politics of conservationism are related simply. The personal courage and wisdom to succeed with his vision for the animals on the reserve, especially the elephants, is obvious and compelling. A great book and man.

Profile Avatar
Ann H.

I learned SO much about Africa and it's animals. A different kind of love story. Loved the narration too!

Profile Avatar
Shar V.

very moving, great narration. this one stuck w me, i was truly amazed by this man's efforts to restore Africa to it's natural state.

Profile Avatar
Suzanne M.

Absolutely the best book! Loved every word!

Profile Avatar
Dietmar B.

What a pleasure. Africa came alive through the pages. What a beautiful an he was! Never mind his frequent anthropomorphism. It come from such a place of love. I have lived in Africa. The narrator was exceptional.

Profile Avatar
Anonymous

Fantastic book to listen to. I really felt like I was at Thula Thula annoying the animals. I loved it!

Profile Avatar
Debbie R.

I know one day I will go see the herd I loved this book and any wait to go to S Africa

Profile Avatar
Anonymous

Very good book. We could all learn something from an elephant.

Profile Avatar
Solomon U.

It was very interesting! Well done!

Profile Avatar
Daniel W.

Fascinating audiobook. I learned so much about elephants as well as other African wildlife and Africa.

Profile Avatar
Susan W.

Wonderful read! Enjoyed it thoroughly!

Profile Avatar
Patty Oole

I love nature and all animals. It was fun to learn about about the power of elephants. Because of this book and the real life elephant whisperer, I've been inspired to invest time and funds I'm conservationist efforts. Passionate!

Profile Avatar
Anonymous

enjoyed

Profile Avatar
Loree W.

Loved this book. The story was excellent, the characters well developed and I felt like I could “see” the story playing out as it was read. Excellent reader ! I highly recommend this book!

Profile Avatar
Lauren F.

Amazing, inspiring, and heartwarming. This book is well well written and well narrated, but the story itself is phenomenal. I had so many feelings while listening to this and learned so much about animals, South Africa, and life in general. This book is easily my new favorite, and I recommend to everyone.

Profile Avatar
Sue O.

I will listen to this book again. From the moment the adventure starts the life on a preserve is never dull. Lawrence ability to analyze the animals is remarkable

Profile Avatar
Wesley A.

Great story about the saving of elephants and their new home in a South African game reserve. The book is filled with interesting stories about life in the African bush, elephant behavior and the connections between the reserve owner and the rescued elephants. Beautifully written and narrated.

Profile Avatar
Anonymous

A rich and heart warming story filled with insight. The author relates all with caring and humor. A must "listen" for anyone, especially us animal lovers. Elephants are wonderful. This book will bring you laughter and to tears. Well worth it!

Profile Avatar
Anonymous

ONE OD THE ABSOLUTE MOST AMAZING BOOKS I'VE EVER HEARD! TAKES YOU in from the first word!! Incredible. Riveting. Magical. ❤️

Profile Avatar
Linda F.

I loved this story of South Africa, set in Zulu land. I came to know a little of the culture, language, & people. But, the best part, the rescued, wild elephants that found a safe home & good life. I learned that elephants communicate in many ways...the grumblings of their tummies & ear flapping, the eye contact. I admire Lawrence's patience as he introduced the wild herd of elephants to their new home. I was amazed how he met & overcame the many challenges to living on and managing a game reserve. He has a good team, a good heart, and a good wife. I love a story where there is lot's of visual, if you know what I mean. And this one has me seeing through his eyes as well as falling for the elephants, too.

Profile Avatar
Victor W.

The Elephant Whisperer was one of the most enjoyable listens I have ever experienced. The superb recounting of events surrounding the elephants and their interaction with the main characters in the story was just amazing! Lawrence Anthony is to be commended for his bravery, presence of mind in stressful conditions and his unswerving dedication to the support and care of wildlife in Africa and other parts of the world. Graham Spence is simply brilliant in his writing style, choice of words and overall delivery of the story which allows the listener to become engrossed in the ups and downs of life on a game preserve. Simon Vance, the narrator, couldn't have been a better choice for the book. His authentic accent and ability to change voices to suit the various characters was brilliant.

Profile Avatar
Brian J

this book is my favorite book I've read in a while and now makes it in my list if lifetime favorites! Love love love it! It fills the heart and inspires. The narrator is amazing too! enjoy...

Profile Avatar
Barbara Roberson

Fascinating. Ordered it for the third time. and cannot wait to listen to it again.

1 book added to cart
Subtotal
$19.99
View Cart