Conservation

If there is one theme that emerges throughout the story of “The Elephant Whisperer” it’s that of conservation. Lawrence Anthony loves animals of all description including everything from magnificent elephants and glorious lions to deadly snakes and tiny spiders. That he agreed to take on a herd of huge and agitated elephants demonstrates his undying love for animals and his dedication to their preservation.

Anthony touts his conservationist creds and recognizes that he was in a unique position to apply more than lip service to his cause. He admits that he was extremely lucky to acquire Thula Thula his 5,000 acre game reserve in central Zululand, South Africa. Before he purchased the reserve, it had been a game hunting reserve. Of course, when he took it over, there was no more hunting. He issued strict orders that no animals – including snakes – be killed on the reserve unless a...