The Elephants of Thula Thula: Finding peace and happiness with the herd

The Elephants of Thula Thula is a story about the life of Françoise Malby-Anthony and her family's work protecting elephants in a South African game reserve. When the matriarch of the herd becomes ill, Françoise must save her beloved elephants from removal or culling. The book also follows the search for a girlfriend for orphaned rhino Thabo and the arrival of Savannah, an endangered cheetah. Despite challenges from a pandemic, poachers, and a mining company, Françoise believes that the elephants have much to teach us about wisdom, resilience, and communal bonds.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2023
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

The Elephants of Thula Thula is a captivating and heartwarming tale that follows the remarkable journey of Françoise Malby-Anthony and her late husband, as they dedicate their lives to the protection and conservation of these magnificent and troubled animals. In 1998, Françoise founded a game reserve in South Africa, a sanctuary where these extraordinary creatures could thrive and find solace. The Elephants of Thula Thula is a profound and compelling account of their life's work, shedding light on the challenges, joys, and profound impact they have had on the world.

At the heart of this story is the remarkable family of elephants that call Thula Thula home. The herds feisty matriarch, Frankie, knows who holds the reins at Thula Thula, and it's not Françoise. However, when Frankie falls ill and the authorities threaten to remove or cull some of the herd if the reserve doesn't expand, Françoise finds herself in a race against time to save her beloved elephants.

Through the pages of The Elephants of Thula Thula, readers are transported into the heart of this enchanting sanctuary. The joys and challenges of a life dedicated to conservation are vividly described, as Françoise navigates the complexities of managing a wildlife reserve. She embarks on a mission to find a girlfriend for orphaned rhino Thabo, a task that requires patience, determination, and a deep understanding of the animal's needs.

As Thabo grows and becomes more boisterous, Françoise realizes the importance of providing him with a big brother to teach him manners and guide him through his teenage years. The arrival of Savannah, an endangered cheetah not seen in the area since the 1940s, brings a new chapter of excitement and fulfillment to Thula Thula. Françoise's dedication to rescuing and caring for meerkats kept as pets is a testament to her unwavering commitment to conservation.

However, the pandemic, an invasion from poachers, and the threat from a mining company seeking access to Thula Thula's land pose significant challenges to the reserve's survival. Françoise faces her toughest years yet, but she remains steadfast in her belief that the elephants have much to teach us. Their wisdom, resilience, and communal bonds inspire Françoise and her team to continue their tireless work, ensuring that Thula Thula remains a haven for these magnificent creatures.

The Elephants of Thula Thula is a testament to the power of human compassion and dedication to the cause of conservation. It reminds us of the importance of preserving our natural world and the incredible creatures that inhabit it. Françoise Malby-Anthony and her family's story inspire us to embrace our role in protecting the environment and to work towards a future where wildlife can thrive and coexist with humanity.

In conclusion, The Elephants of Thula Thula is a captivating and heartwarming tale that showcases the remarkable journey of Françoise Malby-Anthony and her late husband. Through their dedication and love for these magnificent animals, they have made a profound impact on the world, inspiring us all to embrace our role in conservation and work towards a future where wildlife can thrive and coexist with humanity.

Weight: 256g
Dimension: 130 x 200 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529087673