The Training of Wild Animals

by Frank Charles Bostock

Excerpt from The Training of Wild Animals

In my earlier years, I didn't, I fear, alto gether appreciate the good fortune Of this companionship; but later, when maturity and re?ection illumined my way, I was duly grate ful for these friends, and, from being fond Of but some, gradually grew to love all. Recog nizing as I did with my broadening life the limitations Of their knowledge Of us, I learned not to blame the slow or the rebellious.

Genres: Nonfiction

276 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1903

About the author

Francis Charles Bostock (1866 - 1912) was an English entrepreneur and animal trainer, who represented the touring section of the Bostock and Wombwell Menagerie. He toured Europe and America and in the latter he was known as "The Animal King".

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to rate this one; as a training resources, it is not particularly detailed or practical (and focuses almost exclusively on large cats), but as a peek into the history of exotic animal training, it is perfect. My copy is actually the original 1903 edition, and is the earliest complete work on the subject I've read. The difference in attitude toward animals and training is fascinating.

The author frequently states that fear and cruelty are poor and ineffective methods in training animals, yet the techniques he describes are fairly harsh, relying a good deal on domination (and I deliberately use this term instead of "dominance"). He often comments on the amazing strength of the special power that man holds over animals. He describes many accidents and makes mention that it is virtually inevitable that animals will "go bad" after a few years, it is simply their nature (though in reality it probably has more to do with his techniques). Most interesting to me was the chapter on how they captured animals in the wild -- the offhand way in which he describes how many die in the process, and necessary killing of the mother to get to the cubs, etc.

All this being said, his writing itself is amazing. He is beautifully articulate and has an edge of humor that makes the book a very entertaining read as a whole.

[Rick West · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have the 1903 hardcover edition.