Ralph Helfer – författare

Spanning several decades and three continents, Modoc is one of the most amazing true animal stories ever told. Raised together in a small German circus town, a boy and an elephant formed a bond that would last their entire lives, and would be tested time and again; through a near-fatal shipwreck in the Indian Ocean, an apprenticeship with the legendary Mahout elephant trainers in the Indian teak forests, and their eventual rise to circus stardom in 1940s New York City. Modoc is a captivating true story of loyalty, friendship, and high adventure, to be treasured by animal lovers everywhere.

By the author of Modoc:A famed trainer''s "wonderful" memoir of his bond with a lion—and his quest to change how animals were treated in Hollywood (People).When Ralph Helfer, author of Modoc and one of Hollywood''s top animal behaviorists, first began working, he was shocked by the cruelty that was accepted practice in the field. He firmly believed in "affection training"—that love, not fear, should be the basis of any animal''s development, even when dealing with the most dangerous of creatures. Then Zamba came into his life—an adorable four-month-old lion cub that went on to prove Helfer''s theories resoundingly correct.Over the next eighteen years, Zamba would thrive and grow, and go on to star in numerous motion pictures and television shows, all the while developing a deep and powerful bond of love and affection with the man who raised him. By turns astonishing, hilarious, and poignant, Zamba is the unforgettable story not only of the relationship that Helfer would come to consider one of the most important in his life but also of the amazing career and adventures of the greatest lion in the world."Many stories, both humorous and touching . . . a fascinating book." —School Library Journal"A warmhearted tale of love between two species." —Booklist"Extraordinary." —Kirkus ReviewsIncludes photographs

A trainer shares true stories of famous lion, orangutan, and other animal actors that "will hold readers enthralled" (School Library Journal).They are major stars who do not speak a word onscreen, yet are world famous for their compelling performances. Who are they? The animal stars of the big screen, of course! In The Beauty of the Beasts, Ralph Helfer shares with the reader his love of animals and his work with some of Hollywood''s biggest stars: Clarence the Cross‑Eyed Lion, Gentle Ben, the Schlitz Malt Liquor Bull, Clint Eastwood''s orangutan sidekick Clyde, and many more. Helfer shares his philosophy on training these beautiful beasts to do amazing feats and maximize their acting potential without coercion. Join Ralph Helfer in his exploration of animal acting and read of his masterful use of TLC to work with these phenomenal, non‑human actors.