Elephants commemorate late conservation hero

EVERY year, on the same day, the large mammals make their way through Thula Thula Exclusive Private Game Reserve bush towards the home of Lawrence Anthony to honour the man who once saved their lives.

What seems palpably clear as the elephant’s remarkable yearly ‘memorial’ continues to reoccur annually since the home-grown conservationist, adventurer and best-selling author’s untimely death in March 2012.

His unique ability to calm traumatised elephants became a worldwide phenomenon after Anthony published his book ‘The Elephant Whisperer’ in 2009, documenting his fascinating experience rescuing and socialising a herd of nine wild elephants.

Last Sunday, Anthony’s wife Françoise Malby-Anthony was moved by the visit from the elephants.

‘Today, 2 March, it will be two years.

‘Your soul, spirit and presence will always be with us.

‘From all your beloved humans and animals,’ Françoise Malby-Anthony said.

The Thula Thula Facebook page was flooded by messages of condolences from Anthony’s many fans around the globe.

‘God bless the work you are carrying on Françoise, said Belinda Ogley.

‘Lawrence Anthony was a real honourable gentleman, whose heart knew the perils of danger faced by the elephants and the Baghdad zoo animals.

‘Thirty one elephants walked two days and 12 miles in a single-line procession to his house to pay their last respects and stayed for two days – shows the phenomenal intelligence of this animal species.’

Joy Naude thanked Anthony for his timeless conservation work.

‘I read all your books and came to love your animals – especially the deep love and passion for your herd of elephants.

‘Your memory will live on.

‘A true hero – died too soon.’