Listen free for 30 days

  • The Last Rhinos

  • My Battle to Save One of the World's Greatest Creatures
  • Written by: Lawrence Anthony, Graham Spence
  • Narrated by: Simon Vance
  • Length: 9 hrs and 36 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (62 ratings)

1 credit a month, good for any title to download and keep.
The Plus Catalogue—listen all you want to thousands of Audible Originals, podcasts, and audiobooks.
$14.95 a month plus applicable taxes after 30 day trial. Cancel anytime.
The Last Rhinos cover art

The Last Rhinos

Written by: Lawrence Anthony,Graham Spence
Narrated by: Simon Vance
Try for $0.00

$14.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $35.08

Buy Now for $35.08

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Tax where applicable.

Publisher's Summary

When Lawrence Anthony learned that the northern white rhino, living in the war-ravaged Congo, was on the very brink of extinction, he knew he had to act. If the world lost the sub-species, it would be the largest land mammal since the woolly mammoth to go extinct. In The Last Rhinos, Anthony recounts his attempts to save these remarkable animals. The demand for rhino horns in the Far East has turned poaching into a dangerous black market that threatens the lives of not just these rare beasts, but also the rangers who protect them. The northern white rhino's last refuge was in an area controlled by the infamous Lord's Resistance Army, one of the most vicious rebel groups in the world. In the face of unmoving government bureaucracy, Anthony made a perilous journey deep into the jungle to try to find and convince them to help save the rhino. An inspiring story of conservation in the face of brutal war and bureaucratic quagmires, The Last Rhinos will move animal lovers everywhere.

©2012 Lawrence Anthony (P)2013 Tantor

What the critics say

"Narrator Simon Vance is captivating as he recounts conservationist Lawrence Anthony's adventures in seeking to protect endangered animals in Africa... Vance heightens the suspense in these tense moments and is expansive in conveying Anthony's descriptions of life on his Thula Thula Reserve in South Africa and the assorted animals who live there. Anthony's dedication to conservation is admirable, and Vance vividly depicts his efforts for listeners." (AudioFile Magazine) 

"A riveting account by a compassionate, dedicated man." (Kirkus)

What listeners say about The Last Rhinos

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    54
  • 4 Stars
    7
  • 3 Stars
    1
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    53
  • 4 Stars
    4
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    51
  • 4 Stars
    5
  • 3 Stars
    2
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Expecting Another Elephant Whisperer

I could not help but expect another awe inspiring and riveting tale as told in the Elephant Whisperer! Therefore, I was somewhat disappointed by The Last Rhino. The novel focused a lot on the politics involved in Lawrence’s attempts to save the rhinos. Not much content directly about actual Rhinos. Too bad.

3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Captivating!!!

You will not want to stop listening, amazing story! Lawrence was an amazing man, irreplaceable.

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent as usual

We’ll written and full of stories and events surrounding rhinos and elephants. I received a renewed appreciation for these amazing animals and what it takes to protect them.

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A must listen-why we must care

An amazing story of an amazing man’s work, calling us all to understand why animals must not be allowed to go extinct. Beautifully and engagingly written and narrated

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A testament to Conservation

“Outstanding” does not describe yet the full extent of this book. It is a must read for people that believe in Conservation. It is also a must read for the skeptics that keep thinking that we are separate from Nature and that don’t see a link between community, conservation and politics. The three books should be mandatory reading for all wannabe wildlife biologists, managers, conservationists and animal lovers. And for politicians, diplomatics and officials. And for all kids that need and must be educated to be a voice for the Earth. Thank

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Bought as daily deal

With no expectations.

Have an ongoing love of Africa, mostly due to the fact that our daughter is employed in the humanitarian sector there. Have visited 5 times, 4 times with daughter or visiting her. So we have a tiny bit of first hand experience.

I loved this book and have recommended to several people. It was fascinating and so much more than I expected. Lawrence is a born storyteller and I’m going to seek out his other books.

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A must read - an eye opener

This book shows us the sad reality of how silly politics interferes with conservation . Also a wake up call to humans to stop the madness of killing animals . Thank you Lawrence for all you did .

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

The Best of Audiobooks!!!

I’ve listened to over a hundred audiobooks. Thrillers, comedies, classics, light summer reads, documentaries, biographies and this is
#1 on my list. A great narrator introduces us to a great conservationist. My favorite part and a section I’m going to take the time to write out is the last 35 minutes and the addendum following. It will remind me why Lawrence’s commitment to conservation of this earths species is so important and encourage me to find a way to, in some way, contribute to his work. I highly recommend this Audiobook.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Elizabeth
  • Elizabeth
  • 2014-02-26

What a tribute

Would you consider the audio edition of The Last Rhinos to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version - but I'm going to.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lawrence - of course. He is the epitomy, the father, the mentor, he is the voice for conservation and animals of all types. The planet was better with him on it - but it will forever has his spirit with it.

What about Simon Vance’s performance did you like?

Everything about Simon Vance is superb.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me laugh and cry. I've bought Babylon's Ark and will read it next - I wish it was on Audio - but alas it is not. This book is a must read for anyone with a heart. The closing of the book felt like we lost the last great Rhino.... anyway - his books will make you want to get up and do something greater than what you're doing presently.... no matter the capacity.

Any additional comments?

I cannot urge you to read this enough.... there are not enough words. ;)

18 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for matthew
  • matthew
  • 2013-12-30

A mediocre adventure

I had previously listened to The Elephant Whisperer last year while traveling through Sri Lanka, where I got to see Asian elephants up close. It was a very heartfelt book. Thinking The Last Rhinos would be a similar kind of book I came away somewhat disappointed. We are treated to lots of wildlife adventure, but the rhinos don't take center stage. Instead we learn all about Joseph Kony and the Lords Resistance Army in the Congo. The book descends into a very politically charged story. Later we hear a pretty decent tale of an escaped elephant and how Lawrence gets him to be an integral part of Thula Thula. There is a tragic ending that educates us about the rhinos plight, but there is more to it and I don't want to spoil the ending. This was a decent African bush adventure, and at times I felt like I was transported there. I suppose I still feel Elephant Whisperer was much better. For a really lighthearted African safari try the book Whatever You Do Don't Run, which had me in stitches. I only wish that it had been a bit longer. They mention another book called, Babylon's Ark, which I would gladly pick up, but it isn't on offer here. It was Mr. Lawrence's first book about the rescuing of animals in a zoo in Afghanistan.

15 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Alexandria
  • Alexandria
  • 2014-07-25

Front Line Conservation

This book surprised me. First, it is important to note that, unlike the Elephant Whisperer, the rhinos in this book are more in the background; they are not all-pervasive and the personalities and personal stories of individual rhinos are not emphasized. Instead, it is much more a story about what happens outside the reserve, really touching on the human issues that help or hurt conservation efforts: politics, economics, social and welfare elements, war. Anthony's involvement in the Juba Peace Talks between the LRA and the Ugandan government provided a huge portion of this book, and with good reason: it emphasized the dueling roles of war and peace in conservation efforts, and also highlighted other not-so-glamorous roadblocks, like mundane paperwork and the absurdities of bureaucracy.

This book is a fitting addition to Anthony's corpus of conservation memoirs, providing new perspectives and highlighting how even the minutiae of human existence play vital roles in saving (or losing) wildlife species like the white rhino.

13 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for mom of 2 boys
  • mom of 2 boys
  • 2015-07-28

Fantastic book! Fantastic narration!

I first read the Elephant Whisperer, which I loved! I am always concerned the next book won't be able to live up to my enjoyment of the first, this book does not disappoint!! It is a wonderful story, beautifully written and enchantingly narrated!

11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Shannon A. Cowett
  • Shannon A. Cowett
  • 2015-04-08

Hopeful

This book is phenomenal. Though it is about a sad subject, the last rhinos and Lawrence Anthony's determination to save them in the face of poachers, it is hopeful. It helps you believe in humankind's goodness, despite the evil. Lawrence Anthony is one of my heroes and I recommend this book to absolutely everyone.

11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Eljaycee
  • Eljaycee
  • 2015-07-06

Totally absorbing

Well done in every way. I couldn't tear myself away. The story is nearly unbelievable.

7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Ka5cdm
  • Ka5cdm
  • 2015-05-15

Dream Africa

Excellent book. Both the Last Rhinos and the Elephant Whisperer took me on a safari of a man's life who loved Africa. I feel like I was a part of the adventure of his life's work. The details had me dreaming Africa and I hope with the conservation work being done will allow my grand children to dream Africa.

7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for johanne
  • johanne
  • 2014-07-11

Wow - can't get enough!

If you could sum up The Last Rhinos in three words, what would they be?

What a calling!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Last Rhinos?

His meeting with the LRA. Also, his constant love of his beloved elephants and their love to him in return.

Have you listened to any of Simon Vance’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, the Elephant Whisperer. Masterfully done.

7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Nancy W.
  • Nancy W.
  • 2015-05-31

Lawrence Anthony inspiration and fascination

He operates with no fear, and all his stories are captivating.
I have read all 3 of his books and fully enjoyed them all. Where they could be initially thought of as too sad or violent to read, that is not the case. Lawrence inspires with his amazing heroics, wit, commitment, and ingenuity. His heartfelt and deep dedication to all that is beautiful and wild is undertaken in a matter-of-fact and intelligent way, driven by his passion for the animals. Fantastic.

5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Dan
  • Dan
  • 2017-12-04

Incredible

This book is absolutely incredible. One of my all time favorite books. I am amazed and inspired by Lawrence Anthony. I want to be a better person towards animals and others alike after reading this.

3 people found this helpful