Soul of a Lion: One Woman's Quest to Rescue Africa's Wildlife Refugees

For All Who Love animals, nature, and gripping true-life adventures, this African saga is an absolute must-read. The story chronicles the wild creatures and courageous caregivers of the unique Harnas Wildlife Foundation in Namibia, where Marieta van der Merwe and her family-former wealthy cattle farmers-have converted their ranch to support and protect embattled wildlife. We meet Sam, the AIDS lion infected by accident at a clinic. Boertjie, a baboon with epilepsy and Down syndrome. Savanna, the one-eyed lioness. Cleo and Pride, a stunning pair of cheetahs. Mischievous babies of numerous species. And Marieta herself, the inspiring proprietor of Harnas, who shares her home with hundreds of needy animals. A survivor of much personal tragedy, Marieta now devotes herself as caregiver and ambassador for African wildlife and wildlands. Written with insight, humor, and thrilling immediacy by Harnas volunteer Barbara Bennett, Soul of a Lion is a richly rewarding and utterly unforgettable experience. Book jacket.

Barbara Bennett is a professor of English at North Carolina State University and a frequent volunteer at Harnas Wildlife Refuge. She has written numerous articles for local magazines and for scholarly publications. This is her first book.

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 Marietavan 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 Marietavan 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.