Description

Cry of the Kalahari

With little more than a few changes of clothing and a pair of binoculars in hand, two adventurous young Americans, Mark and Delia Owens, ventured on a journey to Africa. They boarded a plane, landing in a land teeming with untamed beauty, where they purchased a well-worn Land Rover that had seen better days. Their destination was the heart of the Kalahari Desert, a place where few had ventured before. For seven years, they immersed themselves in this uncharted territory, surrounded by an expanse devoid of roads, human presence, and any visible sources of water for miles on end. In this remote wilderness, the Owenses dedicated themselves to zoological research, studying animals that had never encountered humans, forging a unique bond with the wildlife that roamed freely around them.

The narrative of their experiences is vividly captured in the international bestseller, “Cry of the Kalahari.” This compelling tale chronicles the Owenses’ intimate life among the majestic lions, elusive brown hyenas, cunning jackals, towering giraffes, and a myriad of other fascinating creatures that became part of their daily existence. Each encounter was a lesson in survival and adaptation, as they learned to navigate the challenges posed by the harsh environment and the unpredictable nature of the wildlife surrounding them. The book not only highlights their scientific endeavors but also paints a rich tapestry of the emotional and physical trials they faced while living in one of the last great wildernesses on the planet.

As they delved deeper into their research, the Owenses encountered the raw beauty and peril of the Kalahari, where every day brought new challenges and discoveries. Their story is not just one of scientific inquiry; it is a gripping account of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The vast, unspoiled landscape served as both a backdrop and a character in their journey, shaping their experiences and forging an unbreakable connection to the land and its inhabitants. Through their eyes, readers are transported to a world where the cries of the wild echo through the silence, and the spirit of adventure thrives in the heart of the desert.

The Kalahari Desert, with its sweeping dunes and stark beauty, became a canvas for their adventures, each sunrise and sunset marking the passage of time in a place where the clock seemed to stand still.

The Owenses’ days were filled with the sounds of the wild— the haunting calls of the lions echoing through the night, the rustle of grass as a herd of antelope grazed nearby, and the soft footfalls of a solitary hyena prowling under the cover of darkness. They learned to read the signs of the land, understanding the subtle cues that indicated the presence of wildlife. Their binoculars became an extension of their vision, allowing them to observe the intricate behaviors of animals in their natural habitat, from the playful antics of young giraffes to the stealthy movements of predators on the hunt.

Throughout their journey, the Owenses faced numerous hardships, including extreme weather conditions, scarce resources, and the ever-present threat of dangerous wildlife. Yet, it was these very challenges that deepened their resolve and commitment to their research. They adapted to the rhythms of the desert, learning to find water in the most unlikely places and to navigate the vast, open spaces with a sense of purpose and direction. Their resilience was tested time and again, but each obstacle only served to strengthen their bond with the land and its creatures.

“Cry of the Kalahari” is not merely a scientific account; it is a heartfelt tribute to the wildness of nature and the indomitable spirit of those who choose to immerse themselves in it. The Owenses’ narrative is interwoven with moments of joy and sorrow, triumph and defeat, as they grapple with the realities of life in the wilderness. Their experiences resonate with anyone who has ever felt the call of the wild, inspiring a sense of adventure and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

As they chronicled their findings, the Owenses also became advocates for the conservation of the Kalahari and its inhabitants. Their work highlighted the delicate balance of the ecosystem and the importance of preserving such pristine environments for future generations. Through their research and storytelling, they raised awareness about the threats facing wildlife and the urgent need for conservation efforts in a rapidly changing world.

Mark and Delia Owens

In 1974, Mark and Delia Owens undertook on an adventurous journey to Africa, where they purchased a well-worn Land Rover and ventured deep into the heart of the Kalahari Desert. This bold decision marked the beginning of a remarkable seven-year odyssey, during which they immersed themselves in the untamed wilderness. Their experiences during this time culminated in the creation of “Cry of the Kalahari,” a book that not only became an international sensation but also earned them the prestigious

John Burroughs Medal. Alongside this acclaimed work, they penned “The Eye of the Elephant” and “Secrets of the Savanna,” further solidifying their reputation as prominent voices in wildlife literature. After dedicating over three decades to the African landscape, the couple returned to the United States, where they continued their vital conservation efforts.

Delia Owens, celebrated for her literary prowess, gained widespread acclaim with her debut novel, “Where the Crawdads Sing,” which quickly became a bestseller. However, her literary journey extends beyond fiction; she is also the co-author of three highly regarded nonfiction books that chronicle her experiences as a wildlife scientist in Africa. These works—”Cry of the Kalahari,” “The

Eye of the Elephant,” and “Secrets of the Savanna”—offer readers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of life in the wild. Delia’s contributions to nature writing have not gone unnoticed; she has received the esteemed John Burroughs Award and has had her articles featured in prestigious publications such as Nature, the African Journal of Ecology, and International Wildlife.

Residing in Idaho, Delia Owens remains committed to her conservation efforts, particularly in support of the people and wildlife of Zambia. Her passion for the natural world continues to inspire her writing and advocacy, as she seeks to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the delicate ecosystems that she has come to know so intimately.

Through her work, both in literature and conservation, Delia embodies a deep connection to the land and its inhabitants, striving to ensure that future generations can experience the beauty and wonder of the wild. Her journey from the Kalahari to the literary world serves as a testament to the power of storytelling in fostering a greater understanding of our planet’s diverse environments.

Review

This is a remarkable and important story.”—Barry Lopez   —

“One of the best testimonials to the perseverance, idealism, and general spunk of passionate animal students.”—Washington Post 

“For anyone interested in animals or in real live adventure, this book is a must.”—Jane Goodall

Extraordinary…How the couple overcame the hazards of the desert and came to appreciate its living richness makes fascinating reading…Read their remarkable book to be delighted, moved, and awed.”—People