PAYING RESPECT

Lawrence Anthony has been a legend in South Africa and the author of three books, including the best seller: The Elephant Whisperer. He bravely rescued and rehabilitated elephants from human atrocities all over the globe, including the courageous rescue of Baghdad Zoo animals during the Gulf War in 2004.

On March 7, 2012, Lawrence Anthony died. He is remembered and missed by his wife, two sons, two grandsons and numerous grateful 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 20 elephants had patiently walked over 12 miles to get to his house located in South Africa.

Witnessing this spectacle, humans were obviously in awe, not only because of the supreme intelligence and precise timing that these elephants sensed about Lawrence’s passing, but also because of the profound memory and emotion the beloved animals evoked in such an organized way: walking slowly for days, making their way in a solemn one-by-one queue from their habitat to his house.
Lawrence’s wife, Francoise, was especially touched, knowing that the elephants had not been to his house, prior to that day, for well over a year! Yet, they knew exactly where they were going. The elephants obviously wanted to pay their deep respects, honoring their friend who had saved their lives, so much that they stayed for two days and two nights.

Then, one morning, they left – making their long journey back to their habitat.