Lawrence Anthony, a legend in South Africa,

and author of three books includ

ing the bestseller "The Elephant Whisperer",

bravely rescued wildlife and rehabilitated elephants all over the globe from human atrocities,

including the courageous rescue of Baghdad Zoo animals during the US invasion in 2003.

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On March 7, 2012 Lawrence Anthony died.

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He is remembered and missed by his wife, 2 sons, 2 grandsons & numerous elephants.

Two days after his passing, the wild elephants showed up at his home, led by two large matriarchs.

Separate wild herds arrived in droves to say goodbye to their beloved man-friend.

A total of 31 elephants patiently walked over 12 miles to get to his South African house.

Witnessing this spectacle, humans were obviously in awe

- not only because of the supreme intelligence and precise timing

that these elephants sensed about Lawrence 's passing

- but also because of the profound memory and emotion

the beloved animals evoked in such an organized way:

Walking slowly - for days.

Making their way in a solemn, one-by-one queue, from their habitat to his house.

Lawrence's wife, Francoise, was especially touched, knowing that the elephants

had not been to his house for well over three years prior to that day!

But yet they knew where they were going.

The elephants obviously wanted to pay their deep respects,

honoring their friend who'd saved their lives

- so much respect that they stayed for two days and two nights, without eating anything.

Then one morning, they left, making their long journey back home.