Review: An Elephant in My Kitchen: What the herd taught me about love, courage and survival

An Elephant in My Kitchen: What the herd taught me about love, courage and survival by Francoise Malby-Anthony
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read ‘The Elephant Whisperer’ by Lawrence Anthony a few years back. It was such a wonderful account of how he saved a herd of traumatised elephants (the matriarch was shot dead in front of the rest of the herd) who would have otherwise been put down, and settled them at Thula Thula. It was sad to read about Lawrence’s death subsequently. I learnt about his wife Francoise’s book very recently. This book takes over from ‘The Elephant Whisperer’ and is a warm & beautiful book as well.

Lawrence’s passing is tragic and sudden. In ‘The Elephant Whisperer’ Lawrence recounts the story of the elephant Mnumzane, who had to be put down when he turned violent (later determined due to a painful ulcer), and Lawrence’s ashes are laid near his. Many people who admired him came visiting and so did two herds of the elephants he saved, who just came to the house and sat in mourning. In fact, they return on his first death anniversary as well to the house.

Francoise now has responsibilities she is unfamiliar with. Lawrence handled the animals while Francoise took responsibility for managing the bookings, guests and the food. There is very little time to learn, but Francoise is determined to continue Lawrence’s legacy. Francoise really brings out the challenges in running a game reserve like Thula Thula with her account, where your passion to save animals and converse wildlife has to be so strong as to overcome all odds.

While poaching figures in ‘The Elephant Whisperer’ as well, in this book it actually dominates the narrative. Francoise is constantly worried about poachers getting to their animals and knows that despite the security investments, the risk is still high. There are several attempts – snares are laid, cause injuries and young rhino calves are shot. She tries first poisoning the rhino horns and later decides to dehorn the rhinos. And yet there is a gruesome attack causing painful injuries & death to animals. The poaching industry is fell funded and tragically there is demand for animal products such as rhino horns, though science considers this worthless. Poachers also have access to drones to track animals. If a species neutral history of the earth is written someday, I am sure the human treatment of animals, both wild and farm, will be considered the worth of evils on earth.

There are interesting accounts in the book on how a young elephant who loses his way ends up in Francoise’s house and later kitchen, the lovely elephants, rhinos and their behaviours. I love reading about and watching animals, especially elephants, and that is one of many reasons why I loved this book.


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