Joy D's Reviews > An Elephant in My Kitchen

Lawrence Anthony and Françoise Malby-Anthony, a married couple, ran the Thula Thula Private Game Preserve in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, starting in the 1990’s. Lawrence managed animal conservation and Françoise ran the lodge. Lawrence had written a book, The Elephant Whisperer, which told of the decision to establish Thula Thula and rescue a herd of elephants. When Lawrence died suddenly in 2012, Françoise, a native of France, was thrust into the forefront of the conservation community. Many thought she would return to France, but she had fallen in love with life in the African bush and decided to continue running the preserve. She learned and adapted through experience. She tells her story in this book, picking up where The Elephant Whisperer left off.

Malby-Anthony establishes a rehabilitation center, initially targeted at rhinos, to provide a safe haven until they can be reintroduced into the wild. In addition to rhinos, she and her staff care for an orphaned elephant and hippo. This book is replete with heart-warming animal anecdotes and heart-breaking tragedies. Her deep caring for these creatures shines through. The author is a vocal advocate for anti-poaching, particularly regarding rhino horns. Rhino horns are made of keratin, the same substance as our fingernails, yet they are coveted for their imagined healing properties. As she says, "I am constantly confronted by the brutality of poaching and it's hard not to lose faith in mankind, but I have also met so many beautiful people and organizations who remind me not to give up hope."

I read The Elephant Whisperer last year, and very much enjoyed it, so I was thrilled to receive an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book from the publisher. Anyone who loves African wildlife, has a passion for conservation, or has wondered about the challenges of running a game preserve will enjoy this book.