Zamba: The True Story Of The Greatest Lion That Ever Lived

(Paperback)

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Description

When a celebrated animal trainer takes a four-month-old African lion cub into his home, they care for each other, learn from each other, and change each other's lives, indelibly. This is a one-of-a-kind love story. This moving story is about the animal that started Ralph Helfer's illustrious career as Hollywood's top animal trainer for more than 30 years. When Helfer began his career training animals, he was shocked by the danger and cruelty that dominated the field. He believed that if he could raise even the most dangerous animal from a young age and raise him in a loving, caring, yet disciplined environment, a process he termed Affection Training, love could be the basis of the animal's training instead of fear. He brought Zamba, then a four-month-old cub, into his home, and his theories proved resoundingly correct. Zamba would go on to star in major motion pictures and on television, but more importantly, a bond developed between Helfer and Zamba that became the most important in Helfer's life. With stories that range from the hilarious to the incredibly sad and poignant, Zamba will give any "Lion King" fan a new hero and touch every animal lover's heart.

Reviews

"Wonderful, detailed... amusing... Zamba is a charming read." -- People

"An incredible story of love between man and lion ... moving.... will touch the heart of any animal lover." -- Publishers Weekly

"A warmhearted tale of love between two species." -- Booklist

"Extraordinary ... Beautifully expresses a simple philosophy so many have trouble following: respect for all living creatures, given and returned." -- Kirkus Reviews

"A fascinating book ... humorous and touching." -- School Library Journal

Author Bio

Ralph Helfer is a well-known Hollywood animal trainer who was one of the first to use affection and kindness to train wild animals. He is the author of THE BEAUTY OF THE BEASTS and MODOC, and he lives in Los Angeles and Kenya, where he leads safari tours.