Ralph Helfer

The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived

Modoc

From the author of MODOC comes a personal and moving story about the animal that started Ralph Helfer's illustrious career as Hollywood's top animal trainer for more than 30 years. When Helfer began his career training animals, he was shocked by the danger and cruelty that dominated the field. He believed that if he could raise even the most dangerous animal from a young age and raise him in a loving, caring, yet disciplined environment - a process he termed Affection Training - love could be the basis of the animal's training instead of fear. He brought Zamba, then a four-month-old cub, into his home, and his theories proved resoundingly correct. Zamba would go on to star in major motion pictures and on television, but more importantly, a bond developed between Helfer and Zamba that became the most important in Helfer's life. With stories that range from the hilarious to the incredibly sad and poignant, Zamba will give any Lion King fan a new hero and touch every animal lover's heart.

The True Story of the Greatest Lion That Ever Lived

Zamba

Modoc - The True Story Of The Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived

the true story of the greatest lion that ever lived

Kaarina Turtia

Norsuni Modoc

Tells the true story of a boy's devotion to a beloved circus elephant and the ordeals they endured to stay together.

The Remarkable Friendship of a Boy and His Elephant

Mosey

Born on the same day in the same German town, Bram and his elephant, Modoc, grew up side by side. Their circus act brought them wide fame, but their incredible bond would also lead to a series of adventures with danger at every turn.

The World's Greatest Elephant

A trainer shares true stories of famous lion, orangutan, and other animal actors that “will hold readers enthralled” (School Library Journal). They are major stars who do not speak a word onscreen, yet are world famous for their compelling performances. Who are they? The animal stars of the big screen, of course! In The Beauty of the Beasts, Ralph Helfer shares with the reader his love of animals and his work with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars: Clarence the Cross‐Eyed Lion, Gentle Ben, the Schlitz Malt Liquor Bull, Clint Eastwood’s orangutan sidekick Clyde, and many more. Helfer shares his philosophy on training these beautiful beasts to do amazing feats and maximize their acting potential without coercion. Join Ralph Helfer in his exploration of animal acting and read of his masterful use of TLC to work with these phenomenal, non‐human actors.

Tales of Hollywood’s Wild Animal Stars

The Beauty of the Beasts

From the creators of The World's Greatest Elephant comes the real-life story of the MGM Studios Lion. Perhaps the most recognizable Hollywood animal--outside of Lassie--is "Leo the Lion," MGM Studios' famous mascot. For decades his image introduced hundreds of motion pictures, and Zamba the lion acted in dozens more. But he wasn't always a Hollywood star, and he certainly proved to be much more. This real-life story of Zamba, told by world-renowned animal behaviorist Ralph Helfer and Caldecott Honor recipient Ted Lewin, follows the famous lion from an orphaned cub in Africa to iconic Hollywood actor. But Zamba's greatest role wasn't scripted and it certainly wasn't captured on film. In 1969, the canyon that housed Ralph Helfer's animal ranch was ravaged by floods. As death claimed many of the animals, dozens were led to safety by one heroic lion. Zamba's story, beautifully told and illustrated, is one that will entertain and inspire--both cubs and lions.

Ralph Helfer

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