New Releases by Ralph Helfer

My thoughts traverse the realm of understanding between humans and apes. Things which we once explored might perhaps need to be reopened to find a better way to communicate between man and animal. Many before us have tried to reach into the core of man/animal understanding. Few have succeeded. In my search for a 'Judy, ' I came to find out that apes, like people, were individuals. No two were alike. Also, no two had the same intellect. I reasoned that if there could be a breakthrough in communication, surely it leaves open the possibility that we can open a door into the inner recesses of the narrow intellect of the primitive mind. This book was meant to be about the life of a chimpanzee who came from the jungles of Africa and her journey to the silver screen. But as I wrote the passage, it came to mind that the true experience was an adventure into the mind of this extraordinary ape. Her ability to live in the human world, to learn its many idiosyncrasies. Judy had the ability to live in both worlds and be comfortable. To learn from us humans and blend. In the forty years that I have worked with primates, none has affected me as Judy did. How fortunate I have been to spend a portion of my life with this remarkable animal. She has been my mentor in the world of primates.

The Legend of Modoc tells of Ralph's return to India to hear a story of Modoc and Bram's desperate race through India, hoping to escape a neurotic and paranoid man, named North. A story that was lost in time about their bond, and a belief that love conquers all. "Fate intervened and the two of them embarked on adventures that were exciting, frightening, scary, uplifting, heartwarming, and unforgettable. There were times I found myself crying... not just because of the horrific encounters they were faced with... but with the way the two of them survived because of the love they had for each other... they survived because of an unshakable bond... a belief that love conquers all. Modoc and Bram win at the end. There were several major hurdles Bram and Modoc had to overcome, but I'm not going to go into detail. I leave that to the brilliant storyteller... my dear old friend, Ralph Helfer." - Carol Burnett

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.

From the creators of The World's Greatest Elephant comes the real-life story of the MGM Studios Lion. Perhaps the most recognizable Hollywood animal--outside of Lassie--is "Leo the Lion," MGM Studios' famous mascot. For decades his image introduced hundreds of motion pictures, and Zamba the lion acted in dozens more. But he wasn't always a Hollywood star, and he certainly proved to be much more. This real-life story of Zamba, told by world-renowned animal behaviorist Ralph Helfer and Caldecott Honor recipient Ted Lewin, follows the famous lion from an orphaned cub in Africa to iconic Hollywood actor. But Zamba's greatest role wasn't scripted and it certainly wasn't captured on film. In 1969, the canyon that housed Ralph Helfer's animal ranch was ravaged by floods. As death claimed many of the animals, dozens were led to safety by one heroic lion. Zamba's story, beautifully told and illustrated, is one that will entertain and inspire--both cubs and lions.

"Once I started this incomparable story, I couldn't put it down, and I cannot get it out of my mind—nor will I ever. The message of what can be accomplished by training through affection and joy will thrill all animal lovers." —Betty White A captivating true story of loyalty, friendship, and high adventure that spans several decades and three continents, Modoc is one of the most remarkable true stories ever told, perfect for fans of The Zookeeper's Wife or Water for Elephants. 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. As the African Sun-Times put it, Modoc is "heartwarming. . . probably the greatest love story ever told."

Young Bram and his elephant, Modoc, had a lifelong friendship spanning eight decades. The true story of their adventures together and eventual rise to circus stardom is depicted in this beautiful book. Full color.

One day, Ralph Helfer, a celebrated animal behaviorist, received a surprising phone call. His close friends had found a young lion near death by the Zambezi River in Zambia and had rescued him and brought him back to the States. Ralph had often spoken of wanting to raise a lion from a young age -- he had been developing a philosophy of training animals based on love instead of fear, which he termed "affection training." Weeks later, Zamba, then a two-month-old cub, arrived. As Helfer peeked into Zamba's box, he saw a small lion cub tilt his head, wait a single beat, then amble right into his arms. Hugging Helfer's neck with his soft paws, Zamba collapsed on his chest, got comfortable, and fell asleep, their faces touching. They didn't move for the next two hours. Zamba was home. For the next eighteen years, Zamba would appear in many motion pictures, on television, and in the pages of magazines. Along with Helfer's other famous animal actors -- including Modoc the circus elephant and Gentle Ben the bear -- Zamba proved Helfer's theories resoundingly correct, and affection training revolutionized the way animals are trained and treated in the motion picture industry. Through both happy and tough times the bond between Helfer and Zamba developed into the most important of their lives, and Zamba is now enshrined in Helfer's heart and the memories of moviegoers everywhere as the greatest lion that ever lived. With stories that range from the hilarious to the incredibly sad and poignant, Zamba will give any Lion King fan a new hero and touch every animal lover's heart.

Tells the true story of a boy's devotion to a beloved circus elephant and the ordeals they endured to stay together.