How do you move rhinos, lions, leopards, deadly snakes, antelopes, porcupines, hyenas, monkeys and honey badgers to new homes?

Over a period of about five years, a small team of men rescued and relocated more than 6,000 wild African animals that had become stranded on islands that formed as Kariba Dam filled the Zambezi Valley in Zimbabwe. They were assisted by a brave, unassuming, crazy little dog called Crackers.

I recently engaged Luke to design a book I wrote about Crackers, an adventurous little dog who was the hero of "Operation Noah" - an incredible wildlife rescue operation that took place in Zimbabwe in the 1950s/60s. I was a child in Zimbabwe at the time, but my father, Rupert Fothergill, was the country's head game ranger and led the operation, so I had access to the valuable historical material and memories which support this true story. Luke did a fantastic job helping us pull the book together and present it beautifully.

On a recent trip back to Zimbabwe I was able to distribute a number of hard copy books to friends, relatives and Safari Lodges. I have received an overwhelmingly positive response to the book, and have been reflecting on some of the lovely comments I have received.

Kathy said: Hi Hils - oh my goodness- I’ve just read your book & just LOVE It! Sure did get the emotions going! Such brave men doing so much good (& of course Crackers!) And of course not to forget the amazing wives & families back home keeping the home fires burning so that the men could do their jobs knowing their families were in good & safe hands. Kudos to them too! Very strong & resilient woman. Thank you sooo much Hils.  The book has pride of place on my coffee table. 

Julia sent me photos of her son reading it to her grandchildren and said they loved it.

Shayne said she and her 90 year old mum couldn’t put it down.

Mags said she was going to find a film producer to make a movie out of it. 

I have had lots of people ask if they can sell them for me and am in the process of hopefully getting some printed in Zimbabwe for them to have easier access.