The Elephant Whisperer

This arrived in my inbox this morning; a touching illustration of the connection between us and the animal kingdom.

How Did They Know? Lawrence Antony, a legend in South Africa and author of 3 books including the best seller ‘The Elephant Whisperer’, bravely rescued wildlife and rehabilitated elephants all over the globe from human atrocities, including the courageous rescue of Baghdad Zoo animals during the US invasion in 2003.

On March 7, 2012 Lawrence Anthony died. He is remembered and missed by his wife, two sons, two grandsons and numerous elephants. Two days after his passing, the wild elephants showed up at his home led by two large matriarchs. Separate wild herds arrived in droves to say goodbye to their beloved man-friend. A total of 31 elephants had patiently walked over 12 miles to get to his South African House…

…‘A good man died,’ says Rabbi Leila Gal Berner, Ph.D., ‘and from miles and miles away, two herds of elephants, sensing that they had lost a beloved human friend, moved in a solemn, almost ‘funereal’ procession to make a call on the bereaved family at the deceased man’s home.’

 ‘If there was ever a time, when we can truly sense the wondrous interconnectedness of all beings, it is when we reflect on the elephants of Thula Thula. A man’s heart stops, and hundreds of elephants hearts are paying loving homage to their friend.’

 Lawrence’s wife, Francoise, was especially touched, knowing that the elephants had not been to his house prior to that day for well over three years! But they knew where they were going. The elephants obviously wanted to pay their deep respects, honouring their friend who’d saved their lives – so much that they stayed for two days and nights without eating anything. Then one morning, they left, making their long journey back.