Published by Sidgwick & Jackson, 2018, softcover, illustrated, 325 pages, condition: as new.
A blonde, chic Parisienne, Francoise never expected to find herself living on a South African game reserve. But when she fell in love with renowned conservationist Lawrence Anthony her life took an unexpected turn. Lawrence died in 2012 and Francoise was left to face the tough reality of running Thula Thula without him, even though she knew very little about conservation. She was short on money, poachers were capitalizing on the chaos of Lawrences death, and one of their elephants was charging Land Rovers on game drives and terrifying guests. There was no time to mourn when Thula Thulas human and animal family were depending on her. How Francoise survived and Thula Thula thrived is beautifully described in this charming, funny and poignant book. Their elephant herd, rescued by Lawrence, shared Francoise's grief at his passing but over time forged a new relationship with her. One day a baby, Tom, became separated from the herd and found his way into Francoise's kitchen and there was a desperate race against time to save another baby who had a snare wrapped round his face and couldn't open his mouth to suckle. Meanwhile Francoise worked to create a rescue centre for orphaned rhinos. She also took on abandoned hippo baby Charlie who hated water and a German Shepherd called Duma who became an unlikely nursemaid, coach and best friend to all the traumatised rhino, hippo and elephant babies. If you loved Lawrence's The Elephant Whisperer, or just want to spend time with some remarkable animals, then you wont want to miss this sparkling book.
I read The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony a few years back. It was such a wonderful account of how he saved a herd of traumatised elephants (the matriarch was shot dead in front of the rest of the herd) who would have otherwise been put down, and settled them at Thula Thula. It was sad to read about Lawrences death subsequently. I learnt about his wife Francoises book very recently. This book takes over from The Elephant Whisperer and is a warm & beautiful book as well.
Lawrences passing is tragic and sudden. In The Elephant Whisperer Lawrence recounts the story of the elephant Mnumzane, who had to be put down when he turned violent (later determined due to a painful ulcer), and Lawrences ashes are laid near his. Many people who admired him came visiting and so did two herds of the elephants he saved, who just came to the house and sat in mourning. In fact, they return on his first death anniversary as well to the house. Francoise now has responsibilities she is unfamiliar with. Lawrence handled the animals while Francoise took responsibility for managing the bookings, guests and the food. There is very little time to learn, but Francoise is determined to continue Lawrences legacy. Francoise really brings out the challenges in running a game reserve like Thula Thula with her account, where your passion to save animals and converse wildlife has to be so strong as to overcome all odds.
While poaching figures in The Elephant Whisperer as well, in this book it actually dominates the narrative. Francoise is constantly worried about poachers getting to their animals and knows that despite the security investments, the risk is still high. There are several attempts snares are laid, cause injuries and young rhino calves are shot. She tries first poisoning the rhino horns and later decides to dehorn the rhinos. And yet there is a gruesome attack causing painful injuries & death to animals. The poaching industry is fell funded and tragically there is demand for animal products such as rhino horns, though science considers this worthless. Poachers also have access to drones to track animals. If a species neutral history of the earth is written someday, I am sure the human treatment of animals, both wild and farm, will be considered the worst of evils on earth. There are interesting accounts in the book on how a young elephant who loses his way ends up in Francoises house and later kitchen, the lovely elephants, rhinos and their behaviours. I love reading about and watching animals, especially elephants, and that is one of many reasons why I loved this book.
