The Soul of the Rhino is the story of a Nepalese man who has spent his entire life safeguarding an endangered species. This new release is a spirited yet humble account of one man's scientific career and personal journey to save the endangered rhinoceros in his native Nepal. Fresh out of university, Mishra began his work with aboriginal tribes, the Nepalese royal house, and handfuls of conservationists to protect the animal in its Himalayan habitat. In spite of decades spent political arm-wrestling, traveling and fund-raising, Mishra is still fearful to this day that Maoist insurgents and poachers will kill off the Asian rhinoceros for good—a tragedy after all his hard-won gains.

THE SOUL OF THE RHINO By Hemanta Mishra

Filled with candor and bittersweet humor, Mishra re-creates his journey on behalf of the rhino, an ugly yet enchanting, terrifying yet delicate creature. The first book of its kind to delve into the multi-layered political labyrinths of South Asian wildlife conservation, and one man's endurance in the face of it all, The Soul of the Rhino is sure to win over the heart and soul of the reader. With forewords by Bruce Babbitt, chairman of the World Wildlife Fund, and Jim Fowler, former host of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom.

"The Soul of the Rhino is unusual, fascinating and important. It provides not only a rare insight into the personality and behavior of the highly endangered and little known Asian rhino, but an equally absorbing picture of the people who share its habitat. Hemanta Mishra is a native of Nepal and he shares his struggle to reconcile western conservation science, learned when he studied in America, with the cultural beliefs of his people; he attempts to combine hard facts with the mystical values of eastern philosophy. The Soul of the Rhino is also a commentary on the way in which wildlife management can be helped or tragically hindered by revolution, politics and the commitment, or lack of it, of those in power. Most important, it will surely inspire other young people in Asia to follow in his footsteps. I hope you will buy and read this book."
--Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder - the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace

"I enjoyed The Soul of the Rhino immensely for its potent conservation message, as well as its insights into a culture
and the soul of the author."
--George B. Schaller, Wildlife Conservation Society

"This book is much more than a story about rhinos. It is an account of the traditions, customs, and rituals of the people who live in the southern Terai region of Nepal known as Chitwan."
--Leon J. Weil, former U.S. ambassador to Nepal (1984-1987)

"Many well-meaning, dedicated conservation supporters have written enthusiastically about environmental, species and cultural conservation -- but Mishra has not only 'talked the talk,' he has really 'walked the walk.'"
--Kenneth Nebenzahl, director of the American Himalayan Foundation, and member of the WWF-US Council