Little Tyke: The True Story of a Gentle Vegetarian Lioness

By George Westbeau

Book Overview

Born to a bewildered and frustrated mother on a somber September day, the lioness Little Tyke set the world thinking anew.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0835606058
• ISBN13: 9780835606059
• Release Date: January 1986
• Publisher: Quest Books (IL)
• Length: 150 Pages
• Weight: 0.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.3" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

An Extraordinary Lioness

This book is an endearing tale of a cub that was saved from a mother that was known to kill her newborn offspring. The cub, dubbed `Little Tyke,' was saved by the zoo keepers and presented to the author. Even when young, Little Tyke was not interested in eating meat and would refuse drinking milk that even one drop of blood had been added to it. As Little Tyke grew, this behaviour stayed with her right to the end of her life when she was 9 years old. Her story has touched the heart of many who knew her. The Westbeaus gained much wisdom from this docile animal about issues relating to trust, honesty, gentleness, `ahimsa' (non-violence) and unconditional love - and the oft-times hidden bond that can exist between people and animals. Little Tyke extended these qualities to all the animals that lived with her at `Hidden Valley Ranch.' I could not help making the comparison with the biblical vision of a New Earth as seen by the Prophet and recorded in Isaiah 11:6-9. There is a photo of Little Tyke and a lamb called Becky, each being fed milk from a bottle - again Isaiah comes to mind. Having re-read this book for Review, I find it to hold my attention and experience, once again, the joy of entering into Little Tyke's world. It is my belief that this book will become a Classic, akin to that of Black Beauty, Greyfriar's Bobby and suchlike.

Heartwarming Story

This is a unique and heartwarming story of a lion cub who grew up vegetarian. For those that believe in Heaven and creation, it is a wonderful glance into what was and will be again. For those that do not, it is an interesting and sweet story of a lion who grew up detesting meat and blood. For those who do not know how to eat healthfully as a vegetarian or those that do not understand that no creature truly has the need for ingesting meat or blood, this may seem baffling. But for those of us who have been vegetarian for generations, and healthfully and wonderfully so, or have raised "carnivores" as vegetarians and watched them lead healthy, happy, long lives, it is easy to understand! No matter what side of the creation/evolution carnivore/vegetarian belief you may be on, you will enjoy this non-religious story of the lion who grew up as a gentle giant. It is a wonderful read for children, families, and adults alike. Enjoy!

This story is amazing ... and true !

Little Tyke was truly as gentle as a house kitten. As a boy I knew Georges and Margaret Westbeau and Little Tyke. Not once did Tyke ever display the negative tendencies we expect from a wild animal. She was raised as a member of the Westbeau family, would eat out of your hand, kiss you on the cheek and rub against you for attention. Raised in an atmosphere of love, she returned love to those around her. I have given dozens of copies of Little Tyke as gifts since it's first publication in the 50's, and will continue to do so. Little Tyke definatly understood humans. Her story will change the way you view a lion forever.

Baffling, but true

A lion cub is born, apparently allergic to meat and blood. While the diet described should have resulted in blindness and death, she grows to normal sized adulthood as a family pet (!) light reading, no explainations offered. Ripley's believe it or not is offered as a witness. More of a kids book than a serious analysis of the implications, it is a good read and the photos are amazing.