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The Great Animal Rescue - Operation Noah
AMAI PALMER
Amai (Jane) Palmer is passionate about passing on the stories of animal conservation and Zimbabwean history to the next generation.
She was born to parents Frank and Jean Junor while living in Kyle Game Reserve, Rhodesia, Africa. Orphaned and injured animals were part of the family. At seven she moved with her family to Lake Kariba, situated on the Zambezi River. The family spent weekends in the bush catching butterflies and collecting rocks. The butterfly collection was eventually displayed in a university and the rocks were turned into jewelry.
Many years later Amai moved to Australia. She lives with her family, including a growing number of delightful grandchildren to whom she loves to tell stories, especially about animals and Zimbabwe. Her home is on the edge of the Great Dividing Range overlooking the Lockyer Valley, surrounded by wallabies, echidnas, and the occasional koala.
The Great Animal Rescue - Operation Noah
The Great Animal Rescue: Operation Noah is a children’s book about preserving wildlife in the Zambezi Valley, Africa. It tells of a team of men, both black and white, who united over a passion to save animals.
Frank, a scientist, receives an invitation to join an animal rescue operation that will save African wildlife from the rising waters that will drown them; it has been caused by the building of a new dam wall.
Imagine a herd of elephants who find they can no longer travel their ancient path because a huge body of water has appeared blocking their way.
No animal is excluded from the rescue, from the tiny night ape to the majestic sable, and rarely seen, antbear; from Frank’s speciality—the snake—to the angry buffalo.
The team develops different strategies suited to each species and the challenging rescue of rhinos takes the operation to another level. All the hardships fail to deter the team from their quest to preserve wildlife.
REVIEWS
Georgia Jonsson (11 years old)
Very good book! I love all the facts I learned a lot from it. It’s full of character and has lots of
great meaning. I like how it gives the elephant’s perspective as it gives more feeling and
thought. I enjoyed learning about all the animals when you describe what they do. I like how
Crackers comes into the story. It is beautifully written.
Brenda Rudolf (Teacher and editor)
This beautiful book is unique. It should make its way onto the shelves of every Rhodesian,
Zimbabwean, and wildlife lover who has ever - or never - heard of “Operation Noah”. Though
written for older children, I assure you any adult will find it hard to put down!
It was an exciting event in history, and a special part of the life of the author and her family,
particularly her father who was part of Noah. His journals have enabled the close encounters
of the Noah team to come alive for us all these years later, with its fast-moving narrative,
fascinating insights into the behaviour of the animals, and interspersed throughout with
magnificent illustrations and photos. One of a kind!
Jean Caulton (International bird tours owner)
Oh my, Jane. This book is quite delightful and beautifully presented. I couldn't put it down! I
salute you. What an amazing legacy you have produced for future generations and how
wonderfully you have honoured the memory of your fantastic father and our friend.
Stacy Nottle (Author)
Amai Palmer’s beautiful retelling of an event as important as Operation Noah leaves a legacy not only for her
grandchildren and great-grandchildren but for all of us no matter where we live. Her deep nostalgia for and connection to the ecosystems and wildlife of the Zambezi are evident on every page of this skillfully crafted and stunning book. It is the best book I’ve read this year and one I will treasure for years to come.
A percentage of books sales will be donated to the Bally Vaughan
Bird & Game Sanctuary - an animal orphanage in Zimbabwe.
www.ballyvaughan.co.zw/bally-vaughan-sanctuary/
AMAI PALMER
