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

Based on her incredible experiences as a volunteer at Harnas Wildlife Foundation in Namibia, Barbara Bennet has authored this beautiful book – part nature story, part far-flung adventure, part biography of the amazing proprietor of Harnas, and part call to action on behalf of embattled wildlife. At the sanctuary, founder Marieta van der Merwe and her family care for more than 400 rescued, injured, and orphaned animals including cheetahs, leopards, lions, monkeys, meerkats, and wild dogs, as well as domestic cats and dogs. The animals come from farmers protecting their stock, from road accidents, and from misguided owners who try to domesticate wild pets. 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, Marieta van der Merwe herself, the inspiring proprietor of Harnas who shares her home with needy wild embattled wildlife. Harnas runs a variety of programs to heal, release, protect, and care for animals in need. The story of Harnas isn't just about animals. Readers will become fans of brave, tenacious Marieta, who has accomplished much despite tremendous hardships. Learn of movie star Angelina Jolie's devotion to Harnas. And get to know the Bushmen who work at the sanctuary. People, wildlife, nation, and environment – all play a part in this candid and page-turning adventure, at once daring, dangerous, funny, and forever heart-warming.