Gareth Patterson has lived as a man among lions and as a “lion man” among modern people. Moving between these two worlds, he has observed the wholeness in lions and the disconnectedness in humans. His extraordinary experience with lions has shown him how lions can teach people Ubuntu — the African sense of belonging. By understanding the author’s profound experiences with lions, individuals can realize their place in nature and discover true spiritual fulfillment. To Walk with Lions describes the seven spiritual principles of the lion: self-reliance, loyalty, fellowship, willingness to care, unconditional love, courage, and determination. By aspiring to these qualities, individuals can learn to live with a greater sense of purpose, community, and meaning.
Gareth Patterson
Author, Speaker, Independent Wildlife Researcher
www.garethpatterson.com
Award-winning wildlife expert, author and public speaker, Gareth Patterson, is known internationally for his efforts to greater protect the lions and elephants of Africa. His wildlife work has featured widely in the media, books and in documentaries. Patterson told of his life with the famous Adamson lions, which he returned to the wilds after the murder of Born Free legend George Adamson, in the books, Last of the Free and With My Soul Amongst Lions (Hodder & Stoughton). His books have been published in many editions and languages worldwide.
It was Patterson who investigated, then exposed, South Africa's sordid canned lion hunting industry (the killing for sport of captive raised lions, shot in restricted fenced areas) as shown on The Cook Report internationally. Facing death threats and other intimidation, Patterson then wrote two books on his findings, Dying to be Free (Viking Penguin 1998) and Making a Killing (Captive Animals Protection Society 1999).
The Secret Elephants, Patterson's latest book (released in October 2009 by Penguin Global) tells of his eight-year odyssey to uncover truths about the world's most southerly elephants, the elusive and highly endangered Knysna elephants of the southern Cape, South Africa. The Secret Elephants has recently been long listed for the Alan Paton Literary Award 2010.
Patterson was the recipient of the Operation Survival Award and of the prestigious Cape Times Environmental Award. He has been an adjudicator for the SAB Environmental Journalist of the Year Awards.
The Search for the Knysna Elephants, a documentary about Patterson's findings on these remarkable elephants has been screened repeatedly on Animal Planet in 2009 and 2010. He is continuing his research on the elephants, as well as undertaking field work on the existence of another mysterious denizen of the southern Cape, the previously unknown about coastal leopards.
The Gareth Patterson Wildlife Foundation has recently been established, and marks Patterson's twenty-fifth year of involvement in the greater protection of African wildlife.
A highly self-motivated person who lives by the adage 'Never give up', Patterson delivers inspiring presentations and talks drawn from his life and experiences.Visit Gareth's website: www.garethpatterson.com
