Sharon Pincott - Battle for the Presidents Elephants: Life, Lunacy and Elation in the African Bush

During the fifty years since I first went to Africa, I have collected or been given a considerable number of books written by those who have been to Africa but very few stand out in my memory as being exceptional. I was privileged therefore to be asked to contribute a few words to this very special book written by a great lady who writes with such dedication, feeling and passion for the gentle giants of Africa. [Sharon] writes as only someone who has Africa in her blood can, of the despair and the delights of the so-called dark continent. Wildlife deserves a better deal than it is getting from Man, the most lethal animal on the planet and when I leave Africa now after every visit I cry tears of joy and anger. Sharons book will, I know, bring similar feelings to the reader.

D AVID S HEPHERD OBE, FRSA, F OUNDER OF THE D AVID S HEPHERD W ILDLIFE F OUNDATION , UK

Sharon Pincott is the Joy Adamson of Zimbabwe. It takes a very special person to battle the loneliness and isolation of the African bush. Sharons passionate commitment to the Presidential Elephants in the face of soaring political tensions is contagious. We salute her courage and dedication. Her book gives rare and important insights This vivid, first-hand account is heart-breaking.

W ILF M BANGA , E DITOR , T HE Z IMBABWEAN

What a remarkable piece of writing! In The Elephants and I , Sharon Pincott takes us on an incredible journey into the very heart and soul of Africa, its natural splendour and, of course, the gentle giants that traverse the continent. Such a tale is long overdue. While many have been lured by Africas wildlife and beauty, few have managed to capture this splendour with such finesse and grandeur. It is in the joy, the sorrow and the lonely reality of a country and a species in serious trouble that Sharon is able to remind us of what it was like.

J ASON B ELL -L EASK , D IRECTOR , I NTERNATIONAL F UND FOR A NIMAL W ELFARE , S OUTHERN A FRICA

Sharon Pincott has written a memoir worthy of her elephant friends. A very moving story.

G ARETH P ATTERSON , INTERNATIONAL BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF L AST OF THE F REE

The Elephants and I is a poignant memoir In this portrait of both bliss and dismay emerges a mighty heart on a quest for those who have no voice.

Z INTLE M AKENG , C ITY P RESS , S OUTH A FRICA

Sharon Pincott had the courage to leave a cushy life the grit to stand up against [those] who looked the other way as the earths largest land mammals were slaughtered But perhaps what took the most pluck was for her to write this story openly if everyone had the spunk of Sharon Pincott we would have few conservation problems on our earth.

D ELIA O WENS , P H .D AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE INTERNATIONAL BEST-SELLER C RY OF THE K ALAHARI

A heart-rending story, set in difficult times: Sharon Pincott exudes passion, courage and dedication as she tells it like it really is. And theres still room for humour amongst the tragedy youll be inspired!

N ICHOLAS D UNCAN , P RESIDENT , SAVE F OUNDATION OF A USTRALIA

Sharons story speaks of a genuine passion and enthusiasm for her new African home joy at discovering a new world While the tale of a modern girl giving up city life for the faraway African bush is a few decades past qualifying for remarkable, it is lifted by the fact that she chose to swap a secure life in suburban, comfortable Australia for one of increasing political uncertainty in Zimbabwe finding herself pitted against land-invading settlers and snares while seeking to protect her increasingly persecuted elephants. This [book] is for those who look out of the window at work, wondering what if they pursued their dreams.

A NGUS B EGG , CNN AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST /TV PRODUCER , S OUTH A FRICA

After reading [this] book you will feel as though you have been to Africa and experienced the wonderful world that it truly is.

R OB F ABER , M ANAGING E DITOR , THE E LEPHANT , T HE N ETHERLANDS

The Secret meets Born Free in this story of an Australian womans bond with The Presidential Elephants of Zimbabwe and her efforts to stay positive and protect them in a time of political upheaval, poaching and land invasions Final impression: a courageous and determined conservationist outlasts fear and intimidation to stay on and fight for her beloved animals.

B RITISH A IRWAYS C OMAIR MAGAZINE

Sharon Pincotts The Elephants and I masterfully combines a tale of the struggle to conserve Zimbabwes Presidential Elephants with a portrait of what life in Zimbabwe is like; it is a passionate and touching read.

B IG I SSUE , S OUTH A FRICA

Sharon Pincott is a remarkable woman; courageous, stoic, determined and resourceful. Her story of her trials and tribulations, and the fun times, in Zimbabwe makes good reading.

D AVID H OLT -B IDDLE , S OUTH C OAST H ERALD , S OUTH A FRICA