This turned out not to be what I'd expected. I'd hoped for an exploration of people who visit zoos and their perceptions. Instead, we have a poorly ex...moreThis turned out not to be what I'd expected. I'd hoped for an exploration of people who visit zoos and their perceptions. Instead, we have a poorly executed overview of the history of zoos. The authors can't seem to decide what they're trying to say. For example, they state numerous times from the start that drawing parallels between zoos and prisons is a false comparison which arises out of human culture -- and then proceed to spend an entire chapter on the history of prisons and mental institutions as they could relate to zoos. The majority of their information is from secondary sources, and it shows how painfully little they actually know of their subject in the haphazard way it is pieced together. Their final conclusion is firmly stated in the final chapter that zoos exist only for the benefit of humans (not at all for the animals) and further exist only as a representation of human power and domination over nature. Somehow they completely fail in making this sound anything other than their personal opinions, despite spending a few hundred pages on their "study" of zoos. The only redeeming point to this book is that covers zoo history outside of the United States and Europe, which is often neglected in other books, as well as exploring the (usually glossed-over or ignored) trend of keeping various humans in zoos and how that reflects cultural perceptions of the times. (less)
A fun collection of stories from exotic animal vets (both in zoos/aquariums and in the wild). They are definitely written for a general audience, prov...moreA fun collection of stories from exotic animal vets (both in zoos/aquariums and in the wild). They are definitely written for a general audience, providing less detail than I might have hoped. But I am impressed by the scope -- there's a little bit of everything from seahorses to rhinos and from quick fixes to the frustration of unexplained failures. I also appreciate the emphasis on creativity and the global cooperation that is rapidly increasing within exotic animal care. (less)
This is essentially the book that most people expect when they pick up "Don't Shoot the Dog!". Pryor gets away from trying to apply clicker training t...moreThis is essentially the book that most people expect when they pick up "Don't Shoot the Dog!". Pryor gets away from trying to apply clicker training to all aspects of life and focuses on anecdotes of using clicker training for a wide range of animal species. I really enjoyed this as a light read (and oh man, did it make me miss my zoo critters) and it's a lot of fun (I particularly liked the stories about training fish and hermit crabs), but there's not as much new insight as I had hoped for. The highlight of the book is definitely the chapter on what is actually going on neurologically during clicker training, which helps explain why a click is generally more effective than a "good boy!" and why it can be so effective in physical training of humans (such as gymnasts and dancers).
My only gripe is that Pryor has fallen into the typical trap of animal training writers and spends a good deal of time bashing on "traditional" trainers and how her method consistently one-ups all those mean ol' harsh methods. There's so much good support and so many great examples in here, is the negative angle really necessary?(less)
A peek into the use of Burmese elephants in the 1920s-40s, initially in the teak industry and then in the war efforts. Sadly, only a peek. Williams (a...moreA peek into the use of Burmese elephants in the 1920s-40s, initially in the teak industry and then in the war efforts. Sadly, only a peek. Williams (aka "Elephant Bill") gives a wonderful overview of his work as a European Assistant of the British military in charge of some 70-80 elephants used to extract lumber from the dense forests in Burma. When the Japanese later invade Burma, he is responsible for extracting as many elephants and refugees as possible to India, and then in coordinating the work of those elephants and their oozies in building bridges and roads for British troops. While he does tell a few amazing and amusing incidents in depth, a frustrating amount of detail is glossed over. Certainly worth the read, but I'd hoped for a less-censored account.(less)
An excellent introduction to operant conditioning, in terms of both humans and animals. I recommend it for everyone, but it should be required reading...moreAn excellent introduction to operant conditioning, in terms of both humans and animals. I recommend it for everyone, but it should be required reading for anyone in the animal care field.(less)
The owner of the Toadstool Bookshop told me I absolutely HAD to read this book so I finally broke down and found a copy on Amazon (as it hasn't turned...moreThe owner of the Toadstool Bookshop told me I absolutely HAD to read this book so I finally broke down and found a copy on Amazon (as it hasn't turned up in her shop in the last 2 years). At a glance, it appears to be a standard children's picture book, but the story is chilling. Honestly, I'm not sure what to make of it, aside from it making me very very angry from several angles. I give it a solid rank in terms of wartime zoo stories, though. It's fascinating to see how different cultures handle their zoo animals during crises. This has to be one of the more depressing accounts, despite its brevity.(less)
Awesome anecdotes of Helfer's start in the animal entertainment world. I love stories of the old-school animal business, before regulations and laws g...moreAwesome anecdotes of Helfer's start in the animal entertainment world. I love stories of the old-school animal business, before regulations and laws got in the way of the clueless and lucky fumbling their way through trial and error to success (however that may be defined in this industry). I especially like the plan of using rented medieval costume armor for bear training. Modoc's story was also a favorite (having read this single chapter rendition long before coming across the separate Modoc book). Read it, love it, laugh out loud.(less)
I keep hoping to find a decent bit of writing for animal welfare as opposed to animal rights. Unfortunately, the author here takes the opposite extrem...moreI keep hoping to find a decent bit of writing for animal welfare as opposed to animal rights. Unfortunately, the author here takes the opposite extreme and sounds just as crazed as the animal rights crowd, simply arguing the other side. The first chapter is a good overview of the various animal rights groups out there, at least as far as sorting out the alphabet soup and their more drastic acts and positions all in one place. Aside from that, it feels about as intelligently put together as a typical PeTA flyer.(less)
It felt appropriate to round out my Helfer and Derby books with one written by the man who produced the shows that involved their animals. And wow, I...moreIt felt appropriate to round out my Helfer and Derby books with one written by the man who produced the shows that involved their animals. And wow, I do not think I've read an animal book with this much ego since Gunther Gabel Williams' autobiography. It oozes from every word, ironic since he states many times how nature has humbled him. This is also the happiest book about exotic animals in TV/movies that I've ever read -- everything is just so much fun and so perfect! Given he describes the horrible flood at his ranch as a silly aside (and leaving out the fact that several animals did not actually survive), it makes me question the reality of any of his other stories. But reality is not really the point of this book, and the stories are quite entertaining as given. And he has a lot of very cool natural history bits worked in that are surprisingly accurate (so long as he stays away from evolution). I say worth reading for the entertainment value of his ridiculous overconfidence and self assurance. (less)
The writing is okay at best, the "truth" of the story as a whole I tend to think is stretched (embellishment is the heart of circusfolk), but I love t...moreThe writing is okay at best, the "truth" of the story as a whole I tend to think is stretched (embellishment is the heart of circusfolk), but I love the story itself. I was very excited to find this book randomly, having read Ralph Helfer's part in Modoc's story in his earlier book "The Beauty of the Beasts". It was the anecdote that grabbed me out of that book and now I have the intervening years filled in. A beautiful example of the deep memories and emotions of elephants.(less)
This is the summarized history of the Endangered Species Act and its evolution to present time. I was actually surprised at how much it has changed, h...moreThis is the summarized history of the Endangered Species Act and its evolution to present time. I was actually surprised at how much it has changed, how often it has been tweaked to allow just enough leeway. It's fascinating to see that it has become, in many ways, much more effective since it has become more lenient. The book jumps around in some odd ways, but it hits on a lot of the major conservation efforts within the United States. Those familiar with ESA history will have to plow through the extensive coverage of the TVA vs. snail darter story, but there was some cool new stuff I had not encountered before (such as discussion of how essential carnivores are to transport of nutrients -- the "whale pump" was new to me and the far-reaching effects of their removal), and it reflects the conservation of habitats rather than individual species. I'd say this is an essential read for anyone in the wildlife or conservation field and provides an excellent snapshot of the current status of species conservation in the United States.(less)
Eh, I'd expected more from Yann Martel after Life of Pi.
This is something of a metastory about an author helping another man write a play, and as I wa...moreEh, I'd expected more from Yann Martel after Life of Pi.
This is something of a metastory about an author helping another man write a play, and as I was warned when I purchased it, this is not an uplifting book. The writing itself was fun (the descriptions of everything from publishing politics to the central taxidermy shop were exceptional), but I hit the end and was left wondering, what was the point? They (I'm not sure if I'm referring to Martel or simply the two writers in the book) seem to be pushing that the idea of animal slaughter and man's destruction of other species as a parallel to the Holocaust is a new idea. Not only is it faaaaar too overdone by the animal rights camp, I find it a highly inappropriate comparison. I really wish I understood what Martel was actually going for in this book, because I'm left disappointed and indignant.(less)
This book was...incredible. Something in it truly struck a chord. At first, I really didn't know what to make of it, with its sad descriptions of anim...moreThis book was...incredible. Something in it truly struck a chord. At first, I really didn't know what to make of it, with its sad descriptions of animals in the Palestinian city Qalqilya that is practically a cage itself within the Israeli security fence. The crew of zookeepers seemed dedicated but apathetic, the heroic vet, Sami Khader, full of grand ideas but clueless. The almost macabre description of the vet's taxidermy side projects (stuffing any animals that died at the zoo) and placing them in his bizarre natural history had me in fits of shocked laughter. I've always enjoyed "old school" zoo stories, from the crazy days of animal care when nobody knew anything. This is one of those stories -- but it is happening right now. It's hard to imagine that in 2006 a zoo veterinarian would be discovering the concept of environmental enrichment for the first time. At first I was angry at the whole place and the lack of changes the vet could implement, the PR disasters, the pure ignorance. But by the end, I could sympathize so strongly with Sami's frustrations, the zoo's completely unpredictable situations while surrounded by violence, the city's love and pride for its only form of entertainment. I can feel nothing but respect for a man who has remained so determined in the face of so many setbacks and apathy, who can improvise so thoroughly with what little resources he has. I truly, truly wish them luck, the dream of becoming an "international zoo" is a long, long way from where they are.(less)
An overview, mostly chronological, of the use of elephants in combat. Clearly, there was an enormous amount of information sifting that went into this...moreAn overview, mostly chronological, of the use of elephants in combat. Clearly, there was an enormous amount of information sifting that went into this book (indicated by the some 100 pages of bibliography in the back), given the author had to exract every minute mention of elephants that may have occurred for virtually every major recorded battle in the history of the western world.
I found two points the most interesting. First, that it was apparently common custom to get elephants blindingly drunk before combat. Second, the pattern that elephant combat followed -- first time they are used against an enemy, they are successful in that the enemy has no idea what to do when their horses (and sometimes their soldiers) refuse to charge due to panic; however when they are used a second time, a prepared enemy is able to cause enough pain and confusion among the elephants (with the help of ditches, fire, arrows, and caltrops) to result in a stampede back over their own forces. This pattern appeared to repeat throughout history, with it being roughly 50-50 elephants being the source of victory or defeat.
I found the strategies of elephant placement to be interesting, but I really wish there had been more on the actual training of the animals and details of individual fighting technique (some of this is dispersed throughout, but it is scattered somewhat randomly).
It takes a lot for me to really take issue with the editing of a book, but I have to note that the extreme overuse of exclamation points is inappropriate in a nonfiction book, and in this case, overwhelmingly distracting! It was also difficult to separate author's speculation from fact, which leaves me unable to fully accept a lot of what is written here at face value. However, he does cite his sources and this provides a good starting point for further exploration of the subject. Honestly, I'm just excited there actually exists a book on this subject, that has compiled so many bits together.(less)
Coming from a zoo history background, this book was a lot of fun. It is amusing how natural history museums and zoos face basically the same challenge...moreComing from a zoo history background, this book was a lot of fun. It is amusing how natural history museums and zoos face basically the same challenges in exhibiting their collections (if not in the day-to-day upkeep). The book starts off with Asma's hilarious setup to how he became interested in studying the practical and cultural aspects of natural history museums, which alone makes the book worth reading. The museums themselves are then somewhat sidelined for the majority of the book as he explores the developing and competing philosophies of taxonomy and classification over the centuries. This gets more than a little dry (despite his attempts keep the humor up), but it does provide a wonderful overview of changing scientific views on the biological side and puts a few personal faces on the competing ideologies (and being a philosophy professor, Asma handles the material expertly and presents it in a very comprehendable way). It is a well-presented discussion of the role of museums and the challenges of combining educaton and entertainment without destructively diluting the key concepts.(less)
Oh, this one is great fun! This is worth a read if only for the image of a proper Victorian lady wandering around behind the scenes of zoos and circus...moreOh, this one is great fun! This is worth a read if only for the image of a proper Victorian lady wandering around behind the scenes of zoos and circuses with her little notebook, jotting everything down.
I was inititally disappointed with this book, because when I first receieved it, I thought it was actually a female trainer from the 19th century writing about herself. It turns out instead to be an account written by a woman who studied other trainers. But this ended up not being a negative point at all.
There is a lot that is ho-hum and clearly animal people simply relating dramatic tales to her (the chapter on wolves could have happily been excluded). This is also not a book to read for training techniques. However, there are some unique bits to this book that don't appear in all the trainers' books.
First, there is her third-party perspective on the cirucs life and the personalities and drama behind the scenes, which is a beautiful thing. Second, there is a whole unique chapter on the photographing of wild animals, where she goes into all the problems that occur to get those perfect posed circus photographs that are everywhere in other books. I'm going to have to look at such photos more closely from here on out. And through all of it, her writing is so matter-of-fact as to be hilarious. A great, fun read.(less)
I had hoped for a collection of stories from a wildlife filmmaker, relating his personal experiences in the business, and ideally expanding this into...moreI had hoped for a collection of stories from a wildlife filmmaker, relating his personal experiences in the business, and ideally expanding this into wider realm of wildlife films. While there are some of his own anecdotes, this is much more of a call to action for wildlife filmmakers to hold themselves to a set of ethical standards. Despite his promises, Palmer only gives limited insight into how to spot "fake" scenes in documentaries (and there's a disconcerting amount of "they almost certainly staged this" and "it appears as though they did such and such" without anything to back it up), though he does provide broad outlines of the kinds of techniques these films use to create the illusion of a consistent storyline. In some ways, it's a very disillusioning book, even though some part of me was well aware that many scenes had to be staged. The fact that sound is almost always added in post-production totally caught me off guard, though it does make sense, given the nature of microphones. I just find it disturbing that the sounds I associated with animals could be a foley artist's interpretation rather than the real thing. Overall, this is a pretty cool overview of the history of wildlife filmmaking, though Palmer's tone is a tad tiresome.(less)
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