I was inspired to write The Lord’s Tusks by an experience volunteering in Kenya on a
rhino rescue project.
Many years ago, I was lucky enough to spend a summer in Kenya’s Amboseli Game
Park helping train a government unit to capture and move endangered rhinoceroses to
sanctuary areas (helping is a stretch- I was a piddly volunteer fresh out of an
anthropology program). It was shocking to learn about the scourge of poaching animals,
a tragedy that has sadly only grown worse over time. I remain inspired by the work of
evolutionary biologists and researchers studying animal behavior. I was fortunate to
study under some of the field’s luminaries like Steven J. Gould and E.O. Wilson and
later in life spend time discussing conservation efforts with Jane Goodall. I could never
have imagined when conceiving this novel that it would be published in the wake of a
global pandemic and amidst alarming climate shifts—dystopian charting forces that
have put a new and urgent spotlight on the loss of natural habitats and survival
challenges confronting beloved species.
From this background somehow sprung the story of a big game hunter, waiting to inherit
a Lordship, who masterminds a poaching ring smuggling rhino horns and elephant
tusks. Thankfully, this is a pure work of fiction. And yet, there really are people who will
slaughter some of the most majestic animals gracing the earth in order to sell their parts
for profit. In many cases, the professed reason is a pure myth or fraud—such as the
belief that powder from a rhinoceros horn has magical medicinal value or can serve as
an aphrodisiac. Equally tragic is the fact that neither a rhino nor elephant need die to
take its horn or tusk (not that I am suggesting that the act of hacking off a tusk or horn is
defensible in any event). I have had the immense privilege of seeing countless rhinos
and elephants in the wild, both in Africa and Asia, and hope that generations to come
will also have the opportunity. I am in awe of these animals and heartbroken that their
survival is threatened.
I hope you’ll read The Lord’s Tusks and as a corollary to the story ponder why rhinos
and elephants are fighting for their lives. As horrific as the premise of the book may be,
there is an underlying conservation imbued theme tugging to rescue these magnificent
animals. In fact, the pending Lord’s scheme unravels when a researcher falls in love
with his stepdaughter and vows to save the animals at all costs. If only we could have a
similar mission to protect these animals in real life. More important than reading the
book, I hope the story may inspire you to think about the plight of endangered animals
and become involved in conservation efforts. Here on my website is a list of several
organizations devoted to broad conservation efforts, including some focused specifically
on protecting rhinos and elephants.
For a broader description of The Lord’s Tusks, please go to the book's page and to pre-order the book, please visit Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Black Rose Writing.