BOOK TITLE: The Elephants of Thula Thula AUTHOR: Francoise Malby-Anthony AVAILABLE AT: Exclusive Books
Growing up, I watched many animal documentaries and television shows such as National Geographic and Animal planet, which introduced me to the fascinating world of wildlife. My first encounter with an elephant was a few years ago when I was crossing into Zambia from Kasane.The eclipse sight left me in a bewildered daze. I have since seen many elephants live in Maun and Kasane and it’s a sight that one does not tire of because they are so majestic.
After reading this book, I have an idea of where I would like to holiday next -Thula Thula game reserve in Kwazulu Natal South Africa.The apt and beautiful descriptions of the game reserve would make anyone with an appreciation for Africa’s wonderful flora and fauna want to visit it.
In this delightful first-account read, MalbyAnthony, who co-founded the park with her late husband Lawrence Anthony, takes readers through their relationship with the elephants in the vicinity, particularly the feisty Frankie, a 40-something-year-old elephant who is described as an unpredictable matriarch elephant. The author narrates her encounters with Frankie; how in her best element she always stood tall and proud in all her glory, her illnesses, getting lost, until her untimely death.
The description of how the other elephants mournered Frankie was quite emotional. There is also a part where after her husband passed on, every year on the exact date of his passing, a herd of the elephants would come by their house to ‘stop by.’ It’s amazing how they could sense loss, grief and mourning: amazing, right? Elephants are known to be territorial and cheeky, and sometimes violent, but they also have a softer side. Elephants are intuitive and spiritual, with a strong attachment to the human beings that they encounter on a regular basis.
This book is quite different and refreshing, written in a conversational manner and is a nice read for anyone who likes nature, animals and learning about tourism and wildlife. I have always been fascinated by animal behaviour and this book indulged the curiosity I have about elephants.