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Being a second hand bookshop browser, I was delighted when I found a copy of "Cry of the Kalahari" by these two remarkable people. What perseverance, dedication and vision.

I have finished the book and am amazed at their contribution to conservation. The book not only looks at their scientific work, but also the hardships of the time.

This was an unputdownable experience.

I have read that book too MM and really enjoyed it. But researchers I have talked to have sometimes been a bit critical of the couple and the way they both went about things and the way they portrayed some aspects of themselves and their story.

I read it years ago, Mouse, and found it fascinating, too. In fact when I read your thread title the first thought which came to my mind was them saying it was so hot they sat draped in wet towels to cool down.

They have a couple of other books about their work elsewhere - also well worth a read. Cry of the Kalahari is probably my favourite book.

I think it becomes clearer after reading their other books as to why they came in for some (severe) criticism and became persona non grata in Botswana and eventually in Zambia. But it pays to read a bit more widely on the couple to get a clearer picture of their somewhat troubled existence in Africa.

Thanks for telling us about the book MM, I will look out for it, I also like browsing amongst second hand books. A second hand book has some life history behind it I think

Mark and Delia Owens, like many conservationists are going to hit political hot zones. I think one of the most "chilling" moments in the book came in their dealings with the newly formed "freedom fighters". Scary stuff.

I put freedom fighters in inverted commas, because this was a period of ruthless bush war.

Of interest was the mention of Gus and Margie Mills, so they were very aware of similar research being done in KTP.

Chirinda, you are right, there is a photo of both of them lying under wet towels to cool down. They had only their own savings to start off with. Many is the time when they thought that they would have to abandon their dream. I feel much better about my poor work horse, "Trusted Beauty", when I read about their claped out chariot.

Talk about iving the dream.... but also sometimes the nightmare.

This was the book which made me long for the Kalahari and it took at least 20 years for me to get there. I read it as a library book while I was still at school and would love to read it again .... will have to go trolling in those 2nd hand bookshops too

I purchased this book new, about 20 -25 years ago. I still have it. We travelled to Deception Valley in 1999 on a guided safari and the guide pointed out where their camp had been. Amazing story. I also have their later book, Eye of the Elephant. I'll have to make a point of reading both again. Thanks for the reminder.

The last book in their African trilogy - Secrets of the Savanah - rounds off their stay in Zambia. It is equally as readable as the first two.
Understand that they are now back in the US and are involved with Bear conservation? Anyone have any further details?