The Gentle Jungle

by Toni Ringo Helfer

Book Overview

The compelling, true story of Ralph and Toni Helfer and their life among Hollywood's favorite animal celebrities. Including Gentle Ben, Clarence the Cross-Eyed Lion, Judy the Chimp, the noble Stallion... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 059031971X
• ISBN13: 9780590319713
• Release Date: January 1981
• Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks
• Weight: 0.32 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Better the second time around

Years ago I read "The Gentle Jungle" in the Reader's Digest Condensed Books. I had the good fortune to find the Hard cover version in a bookstore in Alaska, while on a cruise. What a great book! It was better the second time around and to think this was a real life, with real people & exotic animals. It's a tribute to a way of life that favors LOVE above all. A must read for old & young alike. I would love to see this as a TV series. S.L. North Quincy, Mass.

great story, moving, true, special

was kind of blown away, am not usually into such stories/subjects....and that it is all true, and the author and the animals-owner are still around, is amazing....watching for the sequel....in an age of mindless violence and ridiculous sensationalism, is a book every child AND adult should have to read....

The Gentle Jungle Is Wonderful!

I bought the book The Gentle Jungle because it contained a segment on "Fury" the black stallion I had watched on tv on Saturday mornings as a child, growing up in the 1950's. Thanks to Toni Helfer, I was finally able to discover what ever happened to my old friend! The segment broke-and gladdened- my heart! This whole book was just wonderful! I don't know why it has EVER gone out of print! This is a book that should FOREVER be available for generation after generation of animal lovers to read! I hope the publishers start reprinting The Gentle Jungle again-SOON! Thank you , Toni, for the information on "King". I'm so glad he came to you.

Absolutely Wonderful!

"The Gentle Jungle" is certainly top notch. The writing is wonderfully descriptive and you can picture the events and happenings as they occur. Anyone who has ever been attached to an animal can appreciate this great book. Toni Helfer is not only a gutsy lady, having learned "affection training" but gives insights into the world of animals that only a professional trainer could explain. I feel more enlightened and a little richer for having read the book. I think it should be reprinted, as well as her husband Ralph Helfer's book "The Beauty of the Beasts" - both wonderful reading.

The Gentle jungle

What a great book!Through's Toni's insight into her life,we get a glimpse of the animal life as never before, suprisingly at home.....and happy.A great read.