Zamba: The True Story of the Greatest Lion That Ever Lived

Zamba is an incredible read. It allowed me to become as close to an African lion as I ever will be in my life. Ralph Helfer's writing was so detailed at times that I could feel what Zamba's huge thick mane must have felt like, I could feel the emense warmth generated from his body next to mine and the heat from his nostrils, his rough tongue licking my face and his huge amber eyes stareing straight at me. It is a heart warming story that at times I laughed out loud and then cried like a baby. I could not put this book down. I wanted it to never end .When I was done reading it left such an impression on me that there wasn't a day that went by that I didn't think about Zamba and the incredible life he led. You will fall in love with this lion and with Ralph Hefler for his love and dedication for all animals and for his "affection training" method which has revolutionized the way animals are treated within the movie industry and training methods world wide. I highly recommend this book to every one who is an animal lover.

I just finished reading Ralph Helfer's ZAMBA. Needless to say I cried for the grand life and the grand soul of this great lion, Zamba. And I rejoiced for the deep relationship of love, trust, and mutual discovery between and intertwined by a human being and a wild beast. Ralph Helfer writes like a great tribesman storyteller, coming from a line of great storytellers. His is a compelling narrative, with drama, discovery, suspense and intimacy. A great story shapes your life. A great story stays and informs your living. A great story touches huge chunks of your heart. Your emotions paint tapestries which hang in your memory. A great storyteller paints savannahs where your imagination gallops fiercely and freely. And so I did. My cat visited me lots during the reading of Helfer's and Zamba's adventures together. Ralph expresses how a great animal like Zamba can be our teacher; (that some animals can be wise men dressed in fur coats). Maybe even humankind, could be wise persons dressed in invisible fur coats. We are all part of each other, the animals and the humans. The story of ZAMBA demonstrates that. I highly recommend reading ZAMBA by Ralph Helfer. The reader experiences the actuality of deep communication and mutual respect between two wild (we're all wild in some fashion) beings. Zamba, the greatest lion that ever lived, by his own sage actions and presence, and Mr. Helfer by the love and trust he imparts to his great lion, shows us it IS possible! We CAN have higher relations with each other, no matter how wild we are. And oh, what a fine piece of storytelling! Most Sincerely, Pamela Shandel, Photographer

When I first began reading this book, I was somewhat concerned for the story began with how badly animals were treated by circus trainers in the 60's, something too painful to read about. But, it was a different era back then, and movies with "Animal Stars" as well as "Circus Stars" drew huge crowds and made big bucks. Therefore, it was comforting to know that there was someone like Ralph Helfer around, not just because he adored and loved animals, but because he was instrumental in utilizing a new tecnique called "affection training" in which to train animals. He was able to do things with animals that others only dreamed of...especially with Zamba, his closest friend of 18 years, who just happened to be a gargantuan male lion. I believe as Ralph does...that we are just beginning to truly understand what animals think and feel. Anyone with pets can attest to this. Skeptics might say that he trained animals for the wrong reasons, but as I said, it was different era back then, and I am just thankful that there was someone like Ralph who oversaw the humane treatment of animals on movie sets. The star of this book, however, is Zamba. What an incredible lion and best friend to Ralph. The two of them did indeed have a true bond and love for one another. It occurred to me while reading this book that I had met Ralph's wife who was mentioned in this book, Toni Ringo, as well as his daughter, Tana, at a fundraiser for cheetahs in Orange County a few years ago. Toni was an incredible and beautiful lady who was on her way back to live in Kenya. I didn't know who they were then, nor did I know who Ralph was, but I knew from the beginning of our conversation that they were true animal lovers. I highly, highly recommend this book. I read it quickly for I didn't want to put it down. I am so happy that Ralph took the time to write this wonderful book. And Zamba, wherever you are, what an inspiration you were back when you were alive, and still are today!

This book is really three books in one. The title would have you believe that this book is about a lion named Zamba, and it is. Zamba, when very young, was found near death in Zambia and was given to the author. The author and Zamba lived and worked together for eighteen years. Zamba was a movie star. He worked with numerous stars and was the origin of several amusing annecdotes. The second part of the book you get kind of between the lines and is about his travels in Africa. Africa is a mess. Take what he says as being the good side. Since then has come the AIDS pandemic, drug resistant TB, and even more wars with no reason for them apparent to us outsiders. Finally, and perhaps most important this is the story of Mr. Helfer's approach to animal training. He was among the first to use affection and kindness to train wild animals. This approach worked wonders, and produced a series of animals that worked in many areas. A most interesting book.

I just finished this book and found it to be one of the most heartwarming stories I've ever read. I laughed and cried throughout the whole book and have found a new favorite author in Ralph Helfer. What an amazing story of true love between a human and an animal!!