When author and legendary conservationist, Lawrence Anthony, renowned for saving the lives of countless elephants, died on March 7, 2012, a large procession of elephants walked at least 12 hours to Anthony’s house to pay respects to their special friend.
TUMBLR It was their way of silently saying goodbye to a man who recognized their humanity and valued their lives. It is also a remarkable proof that animals have the capacity to grieve and mourn the loss of those close to them…not limited to their own species.
Lawrence Anthony, a legend in South Africa and author, bravely rescued wildlife and rehabilitated elephants all over the globe from human atrocities.
For 12 hours, two herds of wild South African elephants slowly made their way through the Zululand bush until they reached the house of late author Lawrence Anthony, the conservationist who saved their lives.The formerly violent, rogue elephants, destined to be shot a few years ago as pests, were rescued and rehabilitated by Anthony, who had grown up in the bush and was known as the “Elephant Whisperer.”
For two days the herds loitered at Anthony’s rural compound on the vast Thula Thula game reserve in the South African KwaZulu – to say good-bye to the man they loved. But how did they know he had died March 7? Known for his unique ability to calm traumatized elephants, Anthony had become a legend. He is the author of three books, Babylon Ark, detailing his efforts to rescue the animals at Baghdad Zoo during the Iraqi war, the forthcoming The Last Rhinos, and his bestselling The Elephant Whisperer.
There are two elephant herds at Thula Thula. According to his son Dylan, both arrived at the Anthony family compound shortly after Anthony’s death.“They had not visited the house for a year and a half and it must have taken them about 12 hours to make the journey,” Dylan is quoted in various local news accounts.
Lawrence Anthony and his wife Francois
“The first herd arrived on Sunday and the second herd, a day later. They all hung around for days before making their way back into the bush.”Elephants have long been known to mourn their dead. In India, baby elephants often are raised with a boy who will be their lifelong “mahout.” The pair develop legendary bonds – and it is not uncommon for one to waste away without a will to live after the death of the other
Anthony was convinced that they could communicate on another level. And now here they are, every night, coming to say goodbye.” is what a friend had to say after seeing what took place following his death.
Beautiful story, BNI – thanks SO much for sharing! I’d heard this one on Michael Savage a few days ago (he’s a passionate animal conservationist and was just as intrigued about this story – and the bond between Lawrence and the elephants – as any of us!); but to see some of the unqiue footage both after his death and earlier, when he was interviewed by S. African TV, only enhanced the experience. Truly unique!
Joy, Savage is where I first heard about it too.
Heartening. But sad, given the abhorrent cruelties that plague all the innocent.
BEAUTIFUL. Elephants are incredible mammals. Humankind needs to re-remember such compassion and caring. Thank You for sharing this gift of LIFE.
Great off subject story. Thank you BNI
Thanks Bonnie your post sets easy on my mind ! long may there be someone to stand against what is wrong with a mans world , long may there be Elephants to remind us how little we are
Thanks Bernard, I’ve been remiss about posting occasional Off Topic stories. People love them and I should look for more. I just don’t happen to find many in the online places I look everyday.
But it’s not off topic. At the end of the first video clip:
“Trust is EARNED.”
HF, very true.
“For two days the herds loitered at Anthony’s rural compound on the vast Thula Thula game reserve in the South African KwaZulu – to say good-bye to the man they loved. But how did they know he had died March 7?”
Bonni, you already know in your spirit the answer to that question.
One of ours has passed away. It is now our mission to make this post viral.
The candle left by Mr. Lawrence Anthony is in our hands now.
My deepest and utmost condolescences to his family.
This is why I prefer to live among these creatures than with the muslim scum and they´re fake god.
Thank you Bonni for this post.
I am Lawrence Anthony.
Thanks, General. And yes, I hope it is shared with many others.
Beautiful story.
Sadly, so many atrocities are committed against these magnificent and highly intelligent animals of which circuses and zoos, nothithstanding to what lengths some would go to chop off their horns for the benefit of some Asians who should take Viagra, all in the name of money.
this is a great story. NANA is a wise wise girl. i wish more humans were as smart as these creatures. this proves what I’ve always always known the do have souls
TAKE THAT CAIR
Great story B warms the heart and welcome restbite from all the daily crimes commited by those lovely mohamadans
Thanks for shring this great story. A welcom diversion from the muslim bullshit we face everyday.
They need our help now more than ever. Damn these koranimals.
Ivory terror: elephant bloodbath funds jihadists
December 3, 2012
Sudanese Arab militiamen and Somali al-Shabaab terrorists are financing their jihad from poaching raids against the endangered wildlife of their mostly Christian neighbors.
The janjaweed poachers use the profits from massacring the African elephant to continue their massacres against black Africans in Darfur. The common link is their utter disregard for life and for the rule of law.
http://moneyjihad.wordpress.com/2012/12/03/ivory-terror-elephant-bloodbath-funds-jihadists/?year=2012&monthnum=12&day=03&like=1&_wpnonce=1df42816e2&wpl_rand=9073284e57
BC, I knew there had to be a link to Muslims when it comes to abusing animals.
Bonni luv you have made my day.Thank you.
AM, I found that story at about 3AM and stayed up to post it because it moved me so much.
BRAVISSIMA!!! Well done – this is a beautiful story!! I’ll try to share this with some people that otherwise might be uneasy when they see things relating to Islam…
Sometimes animals have more kindness and better sense than humans. It’s nice to see that there are also some humans that actually care for their fellow creatures on planet Earth, regardless of species.
tears rolling down my cheeks ! , thanks bonni !!!!!! , how great is the “GREAT GOD ” !!!!!!!
I know how you feel.
Terror-linked Hamas-Muslim Brotherhood front group CAIR needs to learn from these marvelous elephants about LOVE and KINDNESS:
CAIR Targets Morsi/Brotherhood Critics
IPT News
December 5, 2012
Pro-Muslim Brotherhood forces attacked protesters of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi with rocks and clubs in Cairo Wednesday.
CAIR-Los Angeles boss Hussam Ayloush praised Morsi for assuming more power…
in Tahrir Square, Egyptian women see things very differently. They charge that the Brotherhood is “paying gangs to go out and rape women and beat men” protesting Morsi’s policies…
http://www.investigativeproject.org/3837/cair-targets-morsi-brotherhood-critics
What vile, disgusting VIOLENCE SUPPORTER HYPOCRITES CAIR are. See:
Muslim Brotherhood proxy CAIR tries to gain Republican support by smearing Republicans
http://www.barenakedislam.com/2012/12/06/muslim-brotherhood-proxy-cair-tries-to-gain-republican-support-by-smearing-republicans/
There are still those who will mock the Biblical account of Noah and the Ark.
I have viewed many liberal media talking heads that are so afraid of offending islam. They could learn from animals whom to fear.
I know it is fantasy but I enjoyed “Sheena, Queen of the Jungle” starring Tanya Roberts. The movie portrayed a beautiful bond between Sheena and the animals. And what a beautiful woman they chose to play the part.
Uncle, animals are always honest. Humans, not so much.
Bonnie, thank you so much for this story. It is so beautiful. Animals truly have a soul! What precious animals Their love and appreciation for the man who saved and cared for them is so beautiful.
Linda, I agree. It makes even angrier to see how elephants are forced to live in circuses.
Beautiful! Thanks.
<3
pink, I knew you’d like it.
awwwww :’)