LAWRENCE ANTHONY is an acclaimed conservationist and founder of The Earth Organization.
He received the United Nations Earth Day medal for his work in Baghdad.

He is the author of two books : Babylon's Ark, the incredible wartime rescue of the Baghdad zoo,

and The Elephant Whisperer, the extraordinary story of one man's battle to save his herd.

He lives in Zululand, and is the owner of Thula Thula Game Reserve.

 The book has been translated in several languages : German, Italian and soon in French.

       

 

The Story :

 

 

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. 

 

 Some pictures of the story :

   

Lawrence in action with Numzane, Nana and baby

 

     

The Great Escape: David jumping in a chopper for the long search. After the recovery of the herd,

David keeping an eye on the elephant in the boma and determined to keep them there...

 .

     

   Max of the bushveld, exhausted by too much action..

 

  

The rescue of Baby Thula.                           She was 1 day old... and 120kg.                    Shower time with umbrella to protect her skin

..

     

Baby Thula and Bijou...                        Johnny introducing Bijou to Baby Thula.             Visit to my kitchen...her favorite spot.

 

        

A sad moment :Game rangers Vusi and Promise discovering Hedi, killed by poachers in August 2009

 

The book : Babylon's Ark, relating his adventures in Irak in 2003

"The zoo was the prey of looters stealing the animals for diverse purposes, as this picture of the birds in cage at the black market. Lawrence and Brendan, with the help of the coalition army and zoo staff, fought and had these looters arrested."

"The reconstruction of the zoo was done thanks to the help of animal welfare organisations, veterinarians, US military and zoo workers who provided unparalleled support to Lawrence and Brendan."

In April 2003, Thula Thula launched the internationally acclaimed rescue of the Baghdad Zoo, the biggest Zoo in the Middle East. Thula Thula´s Lawrence Anthony, arrived in Baghdad, literally within days of American Tanks entering the city.

He was the first civilian to gain entry to Iraq. A battle had been fought in the surrounding park which had spilled over into the Zoo. Many animals had died or been stolen and the Zoo was in terrible condition. Lawrence was appointed Administrator of the Baghdad Zoo by the American Army. Despite the war environment, he coordinated the rescue with a few Iraqi staff members.They fed and watered the animals and stabilised the situation.

Not one animal died after his arrival. This initiative is ongoing, with Thula Thula´s reserve manager, Brendan Whittington-Jones still in Baghdad, in his formal capacity as Operations Manager of the Zoo. The rescue of the animals in Baghdad reflects the special culture of conservation and care for wildlife that is upheld on Thula Thula.

 

 Lawrence at the entrance of the Baghdad Zoo