Chizi's Tale

Chizi's Tale: The Story

In Zimbabwe during a recent August, two park rangers made a surprising discovery. They found an abandoned baby black rhino, only days old. They called the park manager who, knowing the rhino could not survive alone, did something as surprising as the discovery itself: he took the baby rhino home.

Chizi's Tale is the true story of that baby rhino. Chizi still lives with the park manager, his wife, and their children until he matures and can be released back into the wild. Black rhinos are critically endangered. Saving Chizi and then helping him to return to his natural habitat is vital to helping his species survive.

Written by a young author determined to share Chizi's story as a way to help save the black rhino, Chizi's Tale is a remarkable, moving story about an endearing and vulnerable rhino and the brave family helping him.

Jack Jones: The Author

Jack Jones is a senior in high school at Brunswick School in Connecticut, where he is on the football, wrestling, and tennis teams. Every summer since he was a child, he has traveled to Africa where he has learned the importance of preserving and protecting nature. He is the youngest of four children, and he likes surfing, writing, and New York Giants football.

Jacqui Taylor: The Illustrator

Jacqui Taylor lives in the beautiful Chimanimani district of Zimbabwe. She started drawing as soon as she could hold a pencil - and had never stopped. She also has run her own one-woman design studio for almost 20 years. Almost all her work is inspired by her home - Africa.

Colin Wenham: Chizi's Owner

Colin has worked in the field of conservation for the past 25 years and has had extensive experience in game capture and management of South African animals, which include both species of rhino. He has a deep passion for wildlife and wild places and believes in protecting them for future generations.

All proceeds from the book sales will be donated to Tusk. Tusk has built a reputation for identifying and supporting an impressive range of conservation and sustainable community development and initiatives right across Africa. The charity, whose Royal Patron is Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge, invests in programs which use conservation as a tool to alleviate poverty, improve education and reduce conflict, while also protecting areas rich in biodiversity. Funding is focused on the protection of endangered species and habitats, construction of schools, implementation of water projects and improving livelihoods through the creation of nature-based enterprise. Tusk is highly efficient in delivering donor funds with the maximum possible impact.

Dave Matthews
Musician
This magical tale would never have happened without the tragic plague of poaching in Africa. It is beautifully illustrated and informative - a heartwarming way to enlighten children and parents alike.

Craig Hatkoff
Author of Owen and Mzee
Having a true passion for books about enchanting animals, I was delighted to read Chizi's story. It is funny and charming and delivers a powerful message. This book will raise awareness and inspire children and parents alike to take action and help protect the black rhino and other endangered species.

Diane Garrett
Diane's Books of Greenwich
Chizi's Tale is the delightful story about a very unorthodox house pet. Appealing to all ages, it focuses attention on the very important issue of the protection of our wildlife. And amazingly, written by a young man who's still in high school and who has already dedicated much of his young life to the preservation of our natural world.

Jeff Trandahl
CEO & Executive Director, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
As the endangered black rhino fights to remain viable in the wild, I can think of no better way to help save the species than to educate children - and adults - about this wonderful animal. Chizi's Tale is an engaging and appealing book, and Jack Jones has found the right balance of fun and responsibility to tell Chizi's story. Educational and entertaining, the book teaches an important lesson and gently encourages all of us to help save our world's vanishing species through kindness and determination.

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