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Soul of a Lion: One Woman's Quest to Rescue Africa's Wildlife Refugees
For animal lovers, nature enthusiasts, and the vast readership for gripping true-life stories, this African saga is a must-read adventure. It chronicles the unique Harnas Wildlife Foundation in Namibia, where Marieta van der Merwe and her family, former wealthy cattle farmers, have sold land to buy and care for embattled wildlife. We meet Sam, the "AIDS" lion infected by mistake at a vet clinic. Boerjke, a baboon with epilepsy and Down syndrome. Savanna, the one-eyed lioness. And Marieta van der Merwe herself, the inspiring proprietor of Harnas who shares her home with needy wild animals. Survivor of an early life fraught with personal tragedy in the African Bush, she now devotes herself as care-giver and ambassador for wildlife and wildland. Told with insight, humor, and thrilling immediacy by author and Harnas volunteer Barbara Bennett, this story will captivate readers of all ages.
292 pages, Paperback
First published September 21, 2010
25 people are currently reading
2749 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Bennett
7 books23 followersBarbara Bennett is a professor of English at North Carolina State University and a frequent volunteer at Harnas Wildlife Refuge. When she isn't in Africa, she lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with her dog Vlara.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
May 10, 2016
This is my own book about an amazing woman I met in Africa and her drive to save wild animals. Of course I gave it five stars! Who wouldn't rate their own book this way? :)
November 24, 2010
"Compassion and Care Protect the Souls of the Needy"
Buddha said, “May all that have life be delivered from suffering.”
Published by National Geographic, “Heart of a Lion” reveals the care given to injured, orphaned or otherwise challenged animals in the Harnas Wildlife foundation in Namibia, Africa. A contrast to “Gorillas in the Mist” and “The Cry of the Kalahari” where the animals were sought out in their natural habitat and studied, this book paints a discerning, enjoyable, but not romanticized picture of the plethora of species and individual personalities of the protectorates.
The strength of this refuge is Marieta van der Merwe, proprietor, or more appropriately called “protector” overseeing the feeding, medical and rehabilitative care of 400 unwanted, mistreated or misunderstood animals. Merwe bottle-feeds a baby baboon while conducting planning meetings with her staff of volunteers, family and Bush people. Her personal tragedies, losing her mother at age 12, Congo fever later in life, and the death of a loved one in an airplane crash, are interwoven into the narrative.
The heroes, however, are the animals, inhabiting naturalized enclosures with comforting habitats away from prying eyes of the public: Elsa, the lion cub who napped on the family couch, Grace, a baby baboon fed with an eyedropper, and Gumbi, the hyena, filmed for “Animal Planet’ who considers ostrich eggs a delicacy. Marieta’s garden is a frolicking playground for baby leopard, Missy Jo and Houdini, the baby baboon.
If author Bennett’s writing style rambles a bit, perhaps that is simply reflective of the constant distractions and challenges of unexpected victims arriving at the refuge’s doorstep. Compassion and dedication to preserving the lives of those who can’t protect themselves is the key here.
I learned some interesting facts as I read: Harnas, the foundation’s name was the term for protective armor worn by medieval knights. Actress Angela Jolie, Harnas’s official patron, has been photographed with a 23-year old cheetah living on campus. Lastly, a portion of the proceeds from your purchase of this book benefits the animals nurtured at the Wildlife Foundation. Visit www.harnas.org for information on how to volunteer, adopt, visit or provide support.
Reviewed by Holly Weiss, author of Crestmont
Buddha said, “May all that have life be delivered from suffering.”
Published by National Geographic, “Heart of a Lion” reveals the care given to injured, orphaned or otherwise challenged animals in the Harnas Wildlife foundation in Namibia, Africa. A contrast to “Gorillas in the Mist” and “The Cry of the Kalahari” where the animals were sought out in their natural habitat and studied, this book paints a discerning, enjoyable, but not romanticized picture of the plethora of species and individual personalities of the protectorates.
The strength of this refuge is Marieta van der Merwe, proprietor, or more appropriately called “protector” overseeing the feeding, medical and rehabilitative care of 400 unwanted, mistreated or misunderstood animals. Merwe bottle-feeds a baby baboon while conducting planning meetings with her staff of volunteers, family and Bush people. Her personal tragedies, losing her mother at age 12, Congo fever later in life, and the death of a loved one in an airplane crash, are interwoven into the narrative.
The heroes, however, are the animals, inhabiting naturalized enclosures with comforting habitats away from prying eyes of the public: Elsa, the lion cub who napped on the family couch, Grace, a baby baboon fed with an eyedropper, and Gumbi, the hyena, filmed for “Animal Planet’ who considers ostrich eggs a delicacy. Marieta’s garden is a frolicking playground for baby leopard, Missy Jo and Houdini, the baby baboon.
If author Bennett’s writing style rambles a bit, perhaps that is simply reflective of the constant distractions and challenges of unexpected victims arriving at the refuge’s doorstep. Compassion and dedication to preserving the lives of those who can’t protect themselves is the key here.
I learned some interesting facts as I read: Harnas, the foundation’s name was the term for protective armor worn by medieval knights. Actress Angela Jolie, Harnas’s official patron, has been photographed with a 23-year old cheetah living on campus. Lastly, a portion of the proceeds from your purchase of this book benefits the animals nurtured at the Wildlife Foundation. Visit www.harnas.org for information on how to volunteer, adopt, visit or provide support.
Reviewed by Holly Weiss, author of Crestmont
March 11, 2013
In Praise of Creatures Large and Great
Ask any animal lover. I mean true animal lover. He or she will tell you that, contrary to what most people may believe, each animal has a purpose - indeed, feelings and even a soul. Animals give meaning to life, a sense of purpose and, oftentimes, a means of healing. Such is certainly the case of Zion, one of several lions rescued by Marieta van der Merwe, a white Afrikaans-speaking woman from Namibia who founded an animal rescue shelter and refuge named Harnas. "At Harnas, each animal is perceived to have a soul - and each has the right to live ... each touches the lives of so many others...." The title of this astonishing book could just as easily apply to Marieta, who grew up with a stern father, having lost her mother when she was a little girl. In school, she was an outcast, where teachers and students could not understand her and she could not understand them. She was fortunate to have met Nick, a man at once tough and tender; with tremendous determination, they built Harnas. The author of this remarkable biography, Barbara Bennett, deftly takes the reader through three generations of the Van der Merwe family and how they all became involved with saving southwestern Africa's precious wildlife, one animal at a time, even if "...some animals are cuddly, some are scaly, some are scary, and others are slimy." Ms. Bennett describes how the Van der Merwes and their dedicated staff and volunteers - many of whom traveled great distances - have had to learn to adapt to the ways of the myriad animals to do what is best for them. There are happy moments of animals of animals rescued and given a loving, safe home, as well as tragedy, such as the deaths of Nick and eldest son, Nico. Such is the way of the wild, full of beauty but fraught with danger and uncertainty. Through all of this, the seemingly insurmountable challenges of running a wildlife rescue center never ceased. Surely, Marieta herself possessed the soul of a lion. Yet, says she, "Sometimes, I wonder why God gave this for me to do.... I am privileged to be given the opportunity to play a vital role in taking care of God's creations. For me, nothing could be better than this, being a caretaker of animals." The reader is likely to feel the same way.
Ask any animal lover. I mean true animal lover. He or she will tell you that, contrary to what most people may believe, each animal has a purpose - indeed, feelings and even a soul. Animals give meaning to life, a sense of purpose and, oftentimes, a means of healing. Such is certainly the case of Zion, one of several lions rescued by Marieta van der Merwe, a white Afrikaans-speaking woman from Namibia who founded an animal rescue shelter and refuge named Harnas. "At Harnas, each animal is perceived to have a soul - and each has the right to live ... each touches the lives of so many others...." The title of this astonishing book could just as easily apply to Marieta, who grew up with a stern father, having lost her mother when she was a little girl. In school, she was an outcast, where teachers and students could not understand her and she could not understand them. She was fortunate to have met Nick, a man at once tough and tender; with tremendous determination, they built Harnas. The author of this remarkable biography, Barbara Bennett, deftly takes the reader through three generations of the Van der Merwe family and how they all became involved with saving southwestern Africa's precious wildlife, one animal at a time, even if "...some animals are cuddly, some are scaly, some are scary, and others are slimy." Ms. Bennett describes how the Van der Merwes and their dedicated staff and volunteers - many of whom traveled great distances - have had to learn to adapt to the ways of the myriad animals to do what is best for them. There are happy moments of animals of animals rescued and given a loving, safe home, as well as tragedy, such as the deaths of Nick and eldest son, Nico. Such is the way of the wild, full of beauty but fraught with danger and uncertainty. Through all of this, the seemingly insurmountable challenges of running a wildlife rescue center never ceased. Surely, Marieta herself possessed the soul of a lion. Yet, says she, "Sometimes, I wonder why God gave this for me to do.... I am privileged to be given the opportunity to play a vital role in taking care of God's creations. For me, nothing could be better than this, being a caretaker of animals." The reader is likely to feel the same way.
Want to read
October 13, 2010JUST WON A FIRST READS COPY!!! nice..
January 3, 2011
The work that Marietta van der Merwe and her family have done to establish a wild animal sanctuary in Africa is definitely worth reading about. They have also started a school for local children who otherwise wouldn't get any education, as well as a health clinic for native people who were badly in need of care. Her story is inspiring, but I think it could have been told in a more natural way. Although the author (a frequent volunteer at Harnas) is an English professor, she could have used a stronger editor, one who knew that value of the verb "said," which fades into the background, instead of verbs that remind the reader that someone else is telling the story. Five stars for the story iteself but only three stars for the book.
July 17, 2010
Soul of a Lion is a touching novel that you won't be able to put down until the very last word. You'll feel like you're the one in the wilderness of Africa, saving animals after being abused or mistreated.
This is a great book for not only animal lovers, but also anyone who enjoys reading about real-life adventures. Barbara Bennett did an excellent job molding this book out of dozens of amazing experiences and stories. Great novel!
This is a great book for not only animal lovers, but also anyone who enjoys reading about real-life adventures. Barbara Bennett did an excellent job molding this book out of dozens of amazing experiences and stories. Great novel!
October 18, 2010
Let me start out by saying that I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
If you are an animal lover, read Soul of a Lion.
If you are a biography lover, read Soul of a Lion.
If you are interested in strong women, read Soul of a Lion.
If you like Africa, read Soul of a Lion.
If you like to travel, read Soul of a Lion.
This book is so wonderful. It tells the story of Marietta van der Merwe who started the Harnas Wildlife Foundation in Namibia. She rescues and cares for every animal that is brought to her, giving many of them a chance at life they would otherwise not have. Marietta will not put an animal down if she can find a way for it have a good quality of life, even if it's costly for her. This includes having a lion with the equivalent of Feline HIV, an epileptic baboon, and plenty of three legged animals.
The book follow the story of Harnas, from its very beginning, how Marietta and her husband started the foundation and how it grew to become what it is today.
Because of this book I now dream of becoming a working guest at Harnas, and want to save up the funds to make the trip. It's such an outstanding way to preserve the wildlife in Namibia. But, beyond that, Marietta works to preserve the native culture in Namibia, including the Bushmen or San people, and give assistance to them when most others in the country look down on the Bushmen. It's truly a holistic approach to preserving Namibia.
This book tells the story of Marietta, and also the stories of many of the animals she has had, and currently has at Harnas. The book is a very real picture of the life and death that occurs on Harnas, but I appreciated that the book did not put a heavy focus on the death that occurs at Harnas. It definitely could have made the book into a downer, but I think that it was written not to be depressing, which is very nice for someone rather sensitive and emotional like myself.
My only criticism would be that perhaps it's not the best writing one could ever come across. That being said, I don't think it detracts from the book, and I HIGHLY recommend you pick up Soul of a Lion by Barbara Bennett!
If you are an animal lover, read Soul of a Lion.
If you are a biography lover, read Soul of a Lion.
If you are interested in strong women, read Soul of a Lion.
If you like Africa, read Soul of a Lion.
If you like to travel, read Soul of a Lion.
This book is so wonderful. It tells the story of Marietta van der Merwe who started the Harnas Wildlife Foundation in Namibia. She rescues and cares for every animal that is brought to her, giving many of them a chance at life they would otherwise not have. Marietta will not put an animal down if she can find a way for it have a good quality of life, even if it's costly for her. This includes having a lion with the equivalent of Feline HIV, an epileptic baboon, and plenty of three legged animals.
The book follow the story of Harnas, from its very beginning, how Marietta and her husband started the foundation and how it grew to become what it is today.
Because of this book I now dream of becoming a working guest at Harnas, and want to save up the funds to make the trip. It's such an outstanding way to preserve the wildlife in Namibia. But, beyond that, Marietta works to preserve the native culture in Namibia, including the Bushmen or San people, and give assistance to them when most others in the country look down on the Bushmen. It's truly a holistic approach to preserving Namibia.
This book tells the story of Marietta, and also the stories of many of the animals she has had, and currently has at Harnas. The book is a very real picture of the life and death that occurs on Harnas, but I appreciated that the book did not put a heavy focus on the death that occurs at Harnas. It definitely could have made the book into a downer, but I think that it was written not to be depressing, which is very nice for someone rather sensitive and emotional like myself.
My only criticism would be that perhaps it's not the best writing one could ever come across. That being said, I don't think it detracts from the book, and I HIGHLY recommend you pick up Soul of a Lion by Barbara Bennett!
March 11, 2011
Fantastic book. I am so glad I bought it and read it. I would have to say it was life-changing... I even emailed Harnas and asked them how or what I can do to volunteer. I got a packet back the next day, and will consider going to Africa one day to volunteer. I am passionate about helping animals, and Marieta sounds like someone I would love to meet one day. The only thing that is preventing me from giving this book 5-stars is that half the time when Bennett talked about the personal lives about the family, I just sort of skimmed it... what I wanted to know was more about the animals, how the place works, and the overall history of Harnas. I'm glad the book discussed that but maybe cut out some of the personal stories. I now have learned more about this place and it's just nice to know that there are people out there who actually care about wildlife, and not only rehabilitating wildlife, but also the people in Africa as well (opening up the daycare and clinic. Wow!), as they all need assistance. It was just inspiring to read how one woman can really change the world.
October 10, 2010
"Soul of a Lion" is more than just the story of the Harnas Wildlife Foundation in Namibia. It's a story of love, courage, life (and death), and inspiration.
Barbara Bennett spent time living and working with Marieta Van Der Merwe and her family on their wildlife preserve in sub-Saharan Africa. During that time, she got to know the animal and human families there and learned their history. She writes movingly and honestly about her experiences and the challenges that the family has faced since they took in a first orphaned baboon infant and set their feet on a new path.
The Van Der Merwe family were cattle ranchers before that, and caring for injured wildlife so that they could be returned to the veldt was a sideline that eventually supplanted their original livelihood. Soon they had cheetah cubs, lions, mongooses, African painted dogs and more.
This book gave me a picture of an amazing place, full of meaning and challenge. Highly recommended for those who are interested in ecotourism and learning more about the challenges of preserving endangered species.
Barbara Bennett spent time living and working with Marieta Van Der Merwe and her family on their wildlife preserve in sub-Saharan Africa. During that time, she got to know the animal and human families there and learned their history. She writes movingly and honestly about her experiences and the challenges that the family has faced since they took in a first orphaned baboon infant and set their feet on a new path.
The Van Der Merwe family were cattle ranchers before that, and caring for injured wildlife so that they could be returned to the veldt was a sideline that eventually supplanted their original livelihood. Soon they had cheetah cubs, lions, mongooses, African painted dogs and more.
This book gave me a picture of an amazing place, full of meaning and challenge. Highly recommended for those who are interested in ecotourism and learning more about the challenges of preserving endangered species.
December 20, 2010
I picked this up thinking it would be an interesting look at wildlife refugee centers, and have to admit I was slightly skeptical at first. I wondered whether raising orphaned animals in captivity was really beneficial to the survival of wild species if the animals could never roam free. Boy did this book make me a believer. And what more, this book is so much more than just a story about animals. It is an incredible and inspirational story about the woman, Marieta van der Merwe, who changed her cattle farm into a refuge for any and all orphaned animals. The stories about her life and the animals she has rescued are absolutely incredible and moving. And further more, I really admire Marieta's determination to make the animals as free as possible, and her respect for their "wildness." This book is not only a must read for animals lovers, but also for anyone who loves reading biographies about strong, inspirational women. I have now added Harnas to my list of places to hopefully one day visit and maybe even do volunteer work there.
October 3, 2016
I picked this book up years ago when Borders was still around. It was in a bargain section for $5. Now having read about Harnas and knowing a portion of the proceeds go toward its mission, I actually wish I had paid more for it.
I grew up loving animals of all kinds. I wanted to be a vet for a long time. I volunteered at an animal shelter. I did an internship at a zoo. I'm currently a claims processor for an insurance company. Somehow along my path in life, I deviated from my love and purpose and got sucked into having a job that pays the bills. However, Soul of a Lion brought me back to life.
The author takes us into the personal lives of one family dedicated to animal welfare in Namibia. The wild animals at Harnas are varied, but each one is cared for with deep love. As I read this book, I could actually feel my soul open again as I connected with those who care for wildlife and do what I am unable to. I recommend this to anyone who has a heart for animals.
I grew up loving animals of all kinds. I wanted to be a vet for a long time. I volunteered at an animal shelter. I did an internship at a zoo. I'm currently a claims processor for an insurance company. Somehow along my path in life, I deviated from my love and purpose and got sucked into having a job that pays the bills. However, Soul of a Lion brought me back to life.
The author takes us into the personal lives of one family dedicated to animal welfare in Namibia. The wild animals at Harnas are varied, but each one is cared for with deep love. As I read this book, I could actually feel my soul open again as I connected with those who care for wildlife and do what I am unable to. I recommend this to anyone who has a heart for animals.
October 26, 2019
I really enjoyed this biography of Mariete van der Merwe. Mariete grew up on a cattle farm in Namibia, married and sort-of accidentally started a wildlife sanctuary for injured, orphaned, abandoned and abused African wildlife. The story is written by a volunteer who was so moved by Mariete's story and her family that she was able to get their cooperation to write a book. I do have to say that some of the things I read kinda grossed me out - I mean, I love animals and don't mind my dogs sleeping in my bed, but I just kept thinking about all the animal poop and pee that must be in their house. That said, I much admire Mariete and her family and all they've gone through and all they've done.
October 11, 2010
LOVED THIS BOOK!! True life adventure, triumph and heartbreak at the Harnas wildlife rescue. Not just for animal lovers although Tarali and Carol ann may find it disturbing that a full grown lion sleeps on the owners bed! AWESOME!! Unconditional love can heal the most wounded soul. I rarely read books twice , but this is one book that I will read over and over.
February 8, 2011
Amazing book for any animal lover...especially ones who love african wildlife :] It is an amazing journey through new life, old life, death, love, and adventure!! The ultimate best book i have ever read and wish I was there and experiencing every sentence. Especially the part with the cheetah, jaguar, and lion cubs!! Adorable and an amazing book, everyone should read!
April 14, 2012
What can be more enticing then an opportunity to cuddle and nap with a baby Cheetah? How about feeding a baby Giraffe, or playing with orphaned Baboons? When Barbara Bennett thought about writing a book about her experiences as a volunteer at Harnas Wildlife rescue in Namibia Africa, she soon realized that a more important and interesting story was about the woman who founded it—Marieta van der Merwe. She, along with her family run Harnas; a dream which began when Marieta and her husband Nick rescued their first animal; a baby Vervet Monkey. As more animals were brought to them, they began selling off their inherited property, and putting all their funds into feeding and caring for the animals and expanding the Wildlife Foundation which now includes outreach to the local Bushman and their families.
These stories are about life and death, the beauty of nature and the sometimes ugliness of man. To those who volunteer there it touches something deep in their hearts and souls, and they leave changed. Harnas is not without its controversies, there are those that think that it is better to kill an animal that won’t be able to be released into the wild. Harnas is not zoo, only around 25% are able to be released, because so many of the animals were either too injured or had birth defects, and many were raised as pets by unknowledgeable owners until they got to big to handle. As of the publication of this book, Marieta is working towards creating an environment on more land that will help re-introduce more animals into a wild, but controlled, environment safe from poachers.
I read this book as an Advanced Readers Edition, which didn’t have pictures so I looked up their website www.harnas.org. Go there to see pictures, learn about volunteering or just visiting. I highly recommend Soul of a Lion; it is a great book for all ages. I got this book through the Amazon Vine program
These stories are about life and death, the beauty of nature and the sometimes ugliness of man. To those who volunteer there it touches something deep in their hearts and souls, and they leave changed. Harnas is not without its controversies, there are those that think that it is better to kill an animal that won’t be able to be released into the wild. Harnas is not zoo, only around 25% are able to be released, because so many of the animals were either too injured or had birth defects, and many were raised as pets by unknowledgeable owners until they got to big to handle. As of the publication of this book, Marieta is working towards creating an environment on more land that will help re-introduce more animals into a wild, but controlled, environment safe from poachers.
I read this book as an Advanced Readers Edition, which didn’t have pictures so I looked up their website www.harnas.org. Go there to see pictures, learn about volunteering or just visiting. I highly recommend Soul of a Lion; it is a great book for all ages. I got this book through the Amazon Vine program
November 4, 2012
I was really impressed by this book. An Afrikaans couple in Namibia initially run a cattle farm (as it is called in Africa) but gradually turn it into a wildlife refuge as they see a need in a place with dwindling places for wild animals to go. They also are willing to adopt infants and disabled animals. The farm grows into Harmas Wildlife Refuge and is supported by Angelina Jolie and Animal Planet. The book would seem to be very commercial as the celebrity monikers would indicate but it is not. The book is a simply told, unsentimental story about a family and how their wildlife became their interest. The farm is located in an area where San or Bushmen live and are hired as workers. The San are badly treated in Namibia and are considered the lowest ethnic group, so the effort of the family also becomes helping the Sand and establishing a medical clinic for them. Tragedy does strike the family itself, the husband dies of a fever passed on by a tick, and the father and son before that incident are horribly burned in a small plane accident. The story is never sappy but clear and I though very meaningful. I'm glad I read it.
May 17, 2016
Oh my gosh. This book. This is one of the very few nonfiction books I've read that I have absolutely loved. I knew I would like this book but I never knew it would be one of my favorite reads of the year. This is basically a biography of Marieta van der Merwe, who is the founder of Harnas, a wildlife sanctuary in Namibia, Africa. It takes you on a journey through Marieta's life and story of how she came to be such a huge inspiration to animal lovers and conservationists everywhere. This book made me laugh, cry, and get angry over how these wild animals are treated, from "canned lion hunting" to poachers who kill leopards just for their coats. I'm absolutely disgusted that I share a species with these monsters who kill innocent animals just for the "adventure" of the hunt. I'm so incredibly happy and grateful for Marieta and people like her. If you're an animal lover at all, I highly recommend this book. It's so endearing and enlightening.
September 7, 2014
I enjoyed reading the story of a native African woman's journey to save orphaned, injured, or otherwise helpless wildlife by creating a sanctuary. The book is extremely well-written; the author is an English professor who visited the sanctuary as a volunteer. Life in Africa is not easy, and a wildlife sanctuary cannot survive without involving the local community (especially tribes) and without opening up to volunteers and other eco-tourists. This is a story of success, and left me feeling like I wanted to go to Africa to volunteer. The following quote from Albert Schweitzer is included in this book and is a good reminder for us all: "I have always held firmly to the thought that each one of us can do a little to bring some portion of misery to an end."
September 24, 2015
There are NO NEGATIVES with this book!! This is a fantastic book that I recommend that everyone read!! I also recommend that it goes on some kind of school reading program as it teaches family, what hard work is and what is produces, what life is about,along with love and heartbreak...this is NOT another BORN FREE book, please don't let the title fool you, however it does take place in Africa and takes place on a Wildlife Foundation..Please if you read, take a day or 2 and read this book!!! You will laugh, cry, smile, and fall in love with this family!!!
April 1, 2013
Africa has such a treasure in its wildlife, yet most native people consider that wildlife a nuisance and/or a meal, so they have no qualms about destroying it. But occasionally there are people who recognize the animals for the value they have in just being animals, and work to save them. This is the story of one of those people, and the Harnas Wildlife Foundation she started, as told by someone who visited and volunteered there and just couldn't get the place out of her head. I loved reading this enough that now I want to go and spend a few weeks volunteering there myself.
July 19, 2015
What an amazing story of life, struggle tragedy and beauty!
Truly an wonderful book about an amazing woman and her family.The journey she takes and the hardships along the way all for the love of animals of all shapes and sizes. Its a beautiful story.
A true story that pulled on every fiber of my animal loving heart! Its a quick read and I highly recommend it, especially if you have a passion for conservation and preservation of all kinds of wildlife. It will make you appreciate the beauty all around you!
Truly an wonderful book about an amazing woman and her family.The journey she takes and the hardships along the way all for the love of animals of all shapes and sizes. Its a beautiful story.
A true story that pulled on every fiber of my animal loving heart! Its a quick read and I highly recommend it, especially if you have a passion for conservation and preservation of all kinds of wildlife. It will make you appreciate the beauty all around you!
January 23, 2021
What a great book. If you love non-fiction or animals, you'll love this!
I love non-fic like this, that keeps you interested, but is easy to read in bits and pieces. This book is light and easy to read, but full of great stories, emotion, and compelling information. Volunteering at Harnas is now #1 on my 'bucket list'.
I love non-fic like this, that keeps you interested, but is easy to read in bits and pieces. This book is light and easy to read, but full of great stories, emotion, and compelling information. Volunteering at Harnas is now #1 on my 'bucket list'.
April 25, 2017
3.5 stars for a nonfiction story taking place on a wildlife preserve in Namibia. Asked to take a wounded animal led to her life long passion for saving all wild animals. Living and caring for lions, cheetahs, baboons and many other breeds over decades is a wonderful story about following your dream. Fabulous story.
September 19, 2013
Never knew this animal sanctuary in Namibia existed, quite different from any other one of its kind. Great biography/adventure saga!
February 7, 2015
I got this as a Christmas gift and was so pleasantly surprised!!! I felt I was right there at Harnas Wildlife in Namibia walking with Barbara and Mariete!!
Loved reading this one!!!
Loved reading this one!!!
December 10, 2015
What an amazing woman! Such an inspiration. We CAN all make a difference, just start.
October 16, 2019
I couldn't put this book down - it is a totally fascinating book. The author, Barbara Bennett, gives a factual account of Harnas and Marieta van der Merwe and her family (and their back stories). It is a fascinating story about how they go through the daily routine of rescuing, saving, rehabilitating, and sometimes releasing Africa's animals back into the wild. Bennett covers all aspects of the Harnas: volunteers (which is how she learns about the sanctuary), the animals; the rules they had to follow; the joy and heartache of the volunteers working with the animals and how volunteering changes them. I learned about the Namibian (San) workers, and their families, and how Harnas grows not only to become more effective to the animals but also to the San workers and their families. There is so much I haven't covered, yet for me to read this book in one night, yes, it totally captured my interest. Is there any kind of happy or sad ending to this story - not really - as the work of Harnas Sanctuary continues and grows.
July 27, 2017
This book is written by a volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary in Namibia, about the sanctuary and its founders. I don't doubt the sincerity of the author or her love of animals. However, the writing style can be a bit overwrought at times, disjointed at other times. Overall, since I'm interested in animals and conservation, sanctuaries, etc. I found it interesting despite its flaws. If you are interested in volunteering abroad, animal sanctuaries, or people trying to rehabilitate and save wildlife, you may well enjoy it.
A few of the tougher issues are glossed over. For example, most reputable sanctuaries do no breeding. Lions are (or were? It's unclear) bred here but why and why that was not considered an issue, what happened to all the cubs, etc. Isn't covered in any depth.
A few of the tougher issues are glossed over. For example, most reputable sanctuaries do no breeding. Lions are (or were? It's unclear) bred here but why and why that was not considered an issue, what happened to all the cubs, etc. Isn't covered in any depth.
July 22, 2020
Beautiful story within the book. Feels preachy at times and I personally feel like some of the stories are questionable when it comes to ethics, but overall a good read with many personal stories
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