Danelle Murray

“It’s more important than ever to introduce kids to the beauty of nature. Teaching them about how humans can affect our planet and stressing the importance of wildlife preservation, sustainability, and environmental awareness is critical.”
It is with this in mind, that Danelle Murray from Hartbeespoort, a known name in wildlife conservation, decided to write a children’s book named Wild Adventures with Lazzy the Otter.
Danelle and her husband founded the Owl Rescue Centre in Hartbeespoort and are involved with all kinds of wildlife rescue all over the country.
The book is about an otter who is freed from captivity and focuses on educating young readers about responsible wildlife and nature conservation. “As part of our efforts for the new year, we hope to inspire future generations to become passionate conservationists.
“I could not be more enthusiastic about this endeavour. I am eager for young minds to be enthralled by the adventures of Lazzy and learn and understand how important it is for us to protect wildlife and their habitats.”
The book is a work of fiction based on true events. It follows Rebecca, an aspiring young dancer, whose parents are wildlife conservationists. She helps her favourite animal (a Cape Clawless Otter named Lazzy) learn how to survive in the wild. But while teaching Lazzy independence, Rebecca must also face her own fears and through her bond with Lazzy, she discovers courage and finds inspiration to chase her dreams.
The story was inspired by the Murray family’s experiences with a four-year-old Cape Clawless Otter named Lazarus, who had been rescued as a pup but remained in captivity until the rescue centre’s intervention. Lazzy now lives as a free and wild otter in the Crocodile River. He was seen with a female otter a few months after his release.
“Lazzy’s story, in many ways, is a perfect example of overcoming challenges in our own lives—to have courage, persistence, confidence and determination in what we wish to achieve,” Danelle says.
“Our kids, Rebecca and Spencer, were born into a life of conservation. Ever since they were old enough to understand, their entire world has been about caring for and protecting animals. They have grown up amongst the owls and other wildlife that have, since their earliest memories, filled our home. I often wonder if they appreciate the privilege of a life shared with so many fascinating creatures. For them, it is the norm and there is no other kind of life. Even if they do not realise it now, the interactions they share with these beings will come to serve them well in later years. These animals influence their lives, far greater than may be understood right now. It is heartbreaking to realise that some children will never have the chance to observe wild animals in their natural habitats or be exposed to wildlife in the same way our children have. I am hopeful that this new book might provide a way for those kids to go on an imaginative adventure with wildlife, experiencing it through the pages of this story.”
Visit www.owlrescuecentre.org.za for more information.
This is what the Australian Author Ann Goth had to say about Wild Adventures with Lazzy the Otter:
“Young readers will easily identify with Rebecca, the hero in the book who has to juggle several things in her life and draws parallels between the otters’ struggles and her own. By helping the otter, she also increases her confidence to embrace the challenges in her life. For example, the otter teaches her that with hard work, practice and dedication, anything is possible! Her swims with the otter, all aimed at getting him used to being released back into the wild, lead to many adventures that create a thrilling read for young readers, whilst teaching them also a lot about otters, illegal wildlife smuggling, and the challenges of releasing captive otters back into the wild. The book is well written at the right level for readers of that age and contains wonderful illustrations. Highly recommended!”