The Elephant Whisperer

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of death.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What parts of Anthony’s conservation work and connection with the elephants most compelling to you? Did you enjoy the way he described his experiences?

2. If you’ve read other autobiographical works about people’s relationships with animals and the natural world, such as Helen MacDonald’s H is for Hawk or Coyote America by Dan Flores, how does The Elephant Whisperer compare in terms of conservation philosophy and emotional impact?

3. Which elephant’s personality or story resonated with you most deeply and why?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Have you ever formed a meaningful connection with an animal that gave you insights similar to what Anthony experienced with his elephants?

2. Have you ever faced a situation in your life that has required building trust gradually? How did you approach the task of building trust?

3. Have you or has anyone you know ever faced seemingly impossible challenges that required the kind of determination Anthony demonstrates throughout his conservation work?

4. In what ways has this book shifted your perspective on human relationships with wild animals?

5. Where do you see parallels between the elephants’ family dynamics and your own experiences with family or community structures?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. What aspects of post-apartheid South African politics influence the conservation work described in the book?

2. How does Anthony balance respect for both modern scientific conservation practices and traditional Zulu beliefs in his work at Thula Thula?

3. What similarities do you notice between the threats to conservation described in the book and the environmental challenges we face globally today?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. What purpose does Anthony’s individualization of each elephant serve in the narrative? How does his presentation of the elephants compare with the scientific custom of avoiding anthropomorphizing animals?

2. Throughout the book, Anthony shares numerous anecdotes about other animals on the reserve besides the elephants. How do these side stories contribute to the book’s theme of interconnectedness in nature?

3. In what way does Thula Thula itself function as a character in the story?

4. What does Anthony’s handling of death throughout the book reveal about his philosophies of conservation and of life?

5. What transformation do you observe in Anthony from the beginning to the end of his journey?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you could spend a day with one elephant from the book, which would you choose and why?

2. What might the elephants’ communication system convey if humans could fully understand it?

3. If you were to write a continuation of this memoir, what new challenges and triumphs would you envision for Thula Thula and its elephant inhabitants?

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