The Rhino Keeper

Based on the true story of a Dutch sea captain who traveled with an Indian rhinoceros called Clara across 18th century Europe,THE RHINO KEEPER evokes both the thrill of discovery in the archives and the wonder felt by a world in which no European had seen a living rhinoceros. 2022 – College student Andrea Clarkson uncovers a historical mystery while studying abroad in Holland. From hidden desk drawers come unusual historical documents featuring a rhinoceros. On a lichen-covered eighteenth-century gravethe same animal is carved. When an expanding river forces exhumationwhat she finds buried there is life-changing. Andrea faces her nightmares to retrieve what a grave robber steals: valuable proof of a long-forgotten history. 1740 – Ship captain Douwemout van der Meer has something not seen in two hundred years: the only rhino in Europecalled Clara. Douwemout and Clara tour Europeenthralling peasants and queenshoping to change popular views that rhinos are man-eating beasts. Absolute wonder followsbut when a priest sees idol worship and becomes hell-bent on destroying herClaraDouweand the lives of her bonded caretakers are at risk. As Douwe becomes protectively dedicated to adventuring with Claraunexpected love finds himand his heart starts to tear. Will he choose a life with a traveling wonder-beast foreveror can love exist in many forms for the rhino keeper?