The Elephant Whisperer

The Elephant Whisperer

by

Lawrence Anthony,

Graham Spence

When South African conservationist Lawrence Anthony was asked to accept a herd of 'rogue' elephants on his Thula Thula game reserve in South Africa, his commonsense told him to refuse. But he was the herd's last chance of survival - notorious escape artists, they would all be killed if Lawrence wouldn't take them. He agreed, but before arrangements for the move could be completed the animals broke out again and the matriarch and her baby were shot. The remaining elephants were traumatized, dangerous, and very angry. As soon as they arrived at Thula Thula they started planning their escape...As Lawrence battled to create a bond with the elephants and save them from execution, he came to realize that they had a lot to teach him about life, loyalty and freedom. Set against the background of life on the reserve, with unforgettable characters and exotic wildlife, this is a delightful book that will appeal to animal lovers everywhere.
This to highlight emotional and political speeches of how an animal be treated in daily papers.
My advice as a doctor who had cared for traumatized and sexually abused children (in UK) is as follows.
1. Each elephant case be decided on merits and demerits.
2. Case by case approach is what I recommend.
3. Age
4. Sex
5. Care taker (abusing drunken mahout or devout mahout with loving care and experience).
6. Do not leave it to politicians
7. Do not leave it to civil servants.
8. Take into consideration cost of health care at old age
9. Take Pinnawela as a rehabilitation center
10. Release them in groups that make bondage when observed at Pinnawala.
11. Think about the mahout loss of a loved one
It is easy raise the political temperature and political mileage writing to newspapers.
Read the book cover to cover “The Elephant Whisperer” by
Lawrence Anthony.
By Asoka an elephant lover.