The Elephant Whisperer

Lawrence makes trips to the bush every day to spend time with the herd. He begins to pick up on whether the herd is present or absent in an area even before he sees them, and he attributes this to the fact that elephant rumblings permeate the bush around them. Although they are below the level of human hearing, Lawrence seems to be sensing them somehow.

One day, Lawrence senses Mnumzane’s presence this way, and the young bull appears in front of the Land Rover shortly after. He cuts off Lawrence’s path and refuses to let him leave, though he otherwise seems calm. Lawrence is humbled by the realization that Mnumzane has chosen to spend time with him over the herd; eventually, the young bull lets him pass. Over time, the other elephants grow comfortable with Lawrence’s presence, too, and begin approaching the vehicle just as Mnumzane did. Nana even puts her trunk though the window to greet Lawrence.

The herd also continues to visit the house every couple of weeks or so. Furthermore, they uncannily arrive outside the house every time Lawrence is due to return from a work trip. Lawrence reflects on scientific evidence that shows how elephants communicate through infrasound vibrations and unique stomach rumblings that resonate across miles, potentially allowing different herds to be in touch with each other across the African continent.