The Soul of a Lion, an engaging memoir by Willie Labuschagne, is an exhilarating journey which begins with the young conservationist’s unique experiences with wild animals. From his groundbreaking research on the desert cheetah’s behaviour and ecology to becoming an internationally respected consultant on environmental and wildlife-related issues, he holds the reader’s attention with all the skill of the master storyteller.

The numerous occasions when Willie faced potentially life-threatening situations with wild animals are vividly recounted, many of them wryly humorous while others evoke deep emotion. But not all animal encounters took place in the wild. A significant and poignant encounter that further inspired Willie’s approach to conservation occurred when, during his time as director of the Johannesburg Zoo, he and his family hand-raised a newborn lion cub that had been rejected by its mother. He recalls the countless obstacles put in his way by the bureaucratic nature of his own species during his tenure at the zoo. But despite numerous challenges he persisted in his goal of transforming and improving zoological institutions.

A moving force behind the changing nature of professionally managed zoological gardens, his book reminds us that, while many of the world’s zoos should be unconditionally closed, progressive modern zoos are becoming increasingly aligned to wildlife conservation: they are vital for ensuring the survival of threatened species.

Willie shares his entertaining and often moving life experiences with warmth and understanding, whether it is sleeping under the stars with the bushmen of the Kgalagadi desert or observing the traditions of the Zulu Royal House. His travels in the African landscape in particular are an exciting panorama of many distinctive habitats, from the relentless desert of the Skeleton Coast in Namibia to the pristine beauty of the Tsitsikamma Forest and the breathtaking vastness of the African bushveld.

Importantly, he is forthright in his view of the critical position of the world we live in and the future it holds for mankind and believes that we are all part of a custodianship which should do everything in its power to protect our fragile environment.

Step behind the scenes of one of the world’s top ten zoological gardens with Willie Labuschagne in his captivating second memoir, Of Man and Beast. As director during a time of intense political change and unprecedented challenges in South Africa, Willie recounts
his wild journey with humour, suspense, and unflinching honesty.

From managing the needs of over 9 000 animals during the first-ever massive staff strike, to navigating the intricate politics of acquiring unique species as diplomatic gifts for Nelson Mandela, Willie’s stories are as enlightening as they are entertaining. He shares thrilling close encounters with wild animals, and the light-hearted moments that make every day in the zoo an adventure.

Willie’s experiences extend beyond the zoo’s boundaries – from an intimidating passage through Checkpoint Charlie in 1987 to lifethreatening situations in the depths of the Congolese jungle. His narrative is a potent reminder of the zoos’ role in conservation and
discusses their evolution into ‘biological gardens’, inviting readers to grasp the critical importance of controlled breeding in conservation and the preservation of endangered species.

Of Man and Beast is not just an account of a man’s life among animals, but a profound look at the responsibilities we share in safeguarding our planet’s diverse inhabitants. Willie invites readers to reflect on the future of wildlife conservation, poised between the
extremes of poaching and habitat destruction.

This book is a must-read for anyone passionate about wildlife, conservation, and the extraordinary stories of a man who has dedicated his life to understanding and protecting the natural world.

Join Willie as he leads us through his incredible journey, exploring the complex relationship between man and beast, and the enduring impact of his work on our global ecosystem.

Of Man and Beast is an urgent, beautiful homage to the wild connections that bind us all.