Graham Cooke seems allergic to something in the air of the concrete jungle. He would rather live in a Spartan bush camp and challenge lions and hyenas for his living space than deal with the mind-jarring stream of Joburg traffic sounds and a life without nature and wild animals.
Graham Cooke seems allergic to something in the air of the concrete jungle. He would rather live in a Spartan bush camp and challenge lions and hyenas for his living space than deal with the mind-jarring stream of Joburg traffic sounds and a life without nature and wild animals.
He was always passionate about wild creatures, but he is bonded to the natural world in an awe-inspiring way when he becomes the guardian of two six-week-old leopard cubs.
Born in captivity, Graham must raise the brother and sister to be released into the wild – but he must earn their trust first.
Naming them Boycat and Poepface, it’s almost fitting that the little male is more easy-going and will do anything for food – not unlike stereotypical young boys.
Given a name like Poepface, it’s no surprise that the daintier female doesn’t like Graham in the beginning and makes him work particularly hard to win her affection.
The book isn’t what one would call fast-paced, but you’ll find yourself enchanted and drawn in to watching the cubs grow up, develop distinct personalities and be endeared to Graham for all he does to be a good father to them.
After all, raising kids isn’t for sissies, especially kids with daggers for nails and killer instincts.
Through reading journals Graham wrote during his year with Boycat and Poepface, Fransje van Riel gives readers invaluable insight into the young life stages of these big cats, as well as a heartfelt account of Graham’s emotional journey.
All written in the first person, few details are spared and you’ll see the story unfold in almost film-like detail.
In between mischief like Boycat’s pranks on a film crew who come to work with them on the Londolozi private reserve, and some close calls with predators in the night, Graham manages to protect and raise the cubs until they are young adults and it is time for their release.
But what dangers await on the last leg of the trio’s journey together in the South Luangwa Valley in Zambia, where malaria and Africa’s wildest wanderers roam free?
And can the unconventional, close-knit family survive the separation?
My life with leopards by Fransje van Riel
Penguin (August 2012) ISBN: 9780143530299
Reviewer: Caroline King
