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A Life in the Wild: George Schaller's Struggle to Save the Last Great Beasts
For more than fifty years, explorer-naturalist George Schaller has been on a mission: to save the world’s great wild beasts and their environments. In this compelling biography, illustrated with Schaller’s own striking photographs, Pamela S. Turner examines the amazing life and groundbreaking work of the man International Wildlife calls “the world’s foremost field biologist.” Schaller’s landmark research revolutionalized field biology, demonstrating that it is possible to study dangerous animals in their own habitats: mountain gorillas in Central Africa, predatory tigers in India, mysterious snow leopards in the Himalayas, and many others. His insights about species and environment led him to successfully advocate for the protection of over 190,000 square miles of wilderness around the world – an area the size of Spain.
Packed with grand adventure, intriguing science, dramatic photographs, and Schaller’s own breathtaking descriptions of the natural world and the animals who live in it, this full-color biography brilliantly captures the spirit and passion of George Schaller’s unusual – and inspiring – life in the wild.
Packed with grand adventure, intriguing science, dramatic photographs, and Schaller’s own breathtaking descriptions of the natural world and the animals who live in it, this full-color biography brilliantly captures the spirit and passion of George Schaller’s unusual – and inspiring – life in the wild.
112 pages, Hardcover
First published October 28, 2008
2 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Pamela S. Turner
13 books48 followers Pamela S. Turner has an abiding fascination with science, animals, evolution, and a special interest in Japanese history. She is the author of award-winning books for young readers, including HOW TO BUILD A HUMAN: IN SEVEN EVOLUTIONARY STEPS, an ALA Notable Book, SAMURAI RISING, a YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award finalist, as well as CROW SMARTS and THE FROG SCIENTIST, both winners of the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books. Her newest book, COMET CHASER, is the true Cinderella story of Caroline Herschel, the first professional woman astronomer.
When not writing, she practices kendo (Japanese sword fighting) and volunteers as a wildlife rehabilitator specializing in crows and ravens.
Visit her website and sign up for her newsletter at www.pamelasturner.com, follow her on Instagram at @pamela.s.turner, Twitter @psturnerbooks, and Facebook /psturnerbooks/.
When not writing, she practices kendo (Japanese sword fighting) and volunteers as a wildlife rehabilitator specializing in crows and ravens.
Visit her website and sign up for her newsletter at www.pamelasturner.com, follow her on Instagram at @pamela.s.turner, Twitter @psturnerbooks, and Facebook /psturnerbooks/.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 20, 2023
I really enjoy YA or MG biographies - I get a lot more about the person than I would from a Wikipedia page (plus usually a lot more pictures); but I also don't have to wade through 700 pages to get a nice overview of the individual and his life, (and I'm looking at you, Fosse!)
PLUS - I think it's just great that people are writing bios of such interesting characters for younger audiences; I own or have read excellent, similar age-level biographies of Roy Chapman Andrews, Ernest Shackleton, Alfred Russel Wallace and probably others I can't recall at the moment. (Although it is a little disappointing to see a good book like this having only 39 GR ratings...)
As to Schaller himself, I had a rough idea of who he was from Peter Matthiessen's outstanding The Snow Leopard, which was basically Matthiessen tagging along on one of Schaller's Himalayan projects. But this brief, informative and well-illustrated book - again, middle grade bios; you gotta love 'em - really gave me a much more three-dimensional portrait of the man and his work.
To say that Schaller has done "important" research in Alaska, Africa, India, China, the Himalaya and elsewhere is a gross understatement; he has played pivotal roles in securing protection for such species as mountain gorillas, tigers, snow leopards, lions, and the then little-understood chiru. (Indeed, it was his work on the latter that originally launched the growing international ban on shahtoosh shawls and scarves.) His conservation work has also resulted in the protection of large stretches of area in the Amazon, Brazil, the Hindu Kush, and Southeast Asia. Due in large part to his efforts, over 20 parks or preserves worldwide have been established - including Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the Shey-Phoksundo National Park in Nepal, and Tibet's Changtang Nature Reserve - setting aside an overall area about the size of Spain!
But don't just take my word for it - read this delightful book, which concludes with a nice "George's career (as of 2008) by the numbers:"
190,000: Square miles of wilderness protected
54,700: Photos taken
36,600: Notebook pages filled with data and observations
195: Scientific and popular articles written
25: Countries where he conducted original research
16: Books written
0: Number of times injured by a wild animal
PLUS - I think it's just great that people are writing bios of such interesting characters for younger audiences; I own or have read excellent, similar age-level biographies of Roy Chapman Andrews, Ernest Shackleton, Alfred Russel Wallace and probably others I can't recall at the moment. (Although it is a little disappointing to see a good book like this having only 39 GR ratings...)
As to Schaller himself, I had a rough idea of who he was from Peter Matthiessen's outstanding The Snow Leopard, which was basically Matthiessen tagging along on one of Schaller's Himalayan projects. But this brief, informative and well-illustrated book - again, middle grade bios; you gotta love 'em - really gave me a much more three-dimensional portrait of the man and his work.
To say that Schaller has done "important" research in Alaska, Africa, India, China, the Himalaya and elsewhere is a gross understatement; he has played pivotal roles in securing protection for such species as mountain gorillas, tigers, snow leopards, lions, and the then little-understood chiru. (Indeed, it was his work on the latter that originally launched the growing international ban on shahtoosh shawls and scarves.) His conservation work has also resulted in the protection of large stretches of area in the Amazon, Brazil, the Hindu Kush, and Southeast Asia. Due in large part to his efforts, over 20 parks or preserves worldwide have been established - including Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the Shey-Phoksundo National Park in Nepal, and Tibet's Changtang Nature Reserve - setting aside an overall area about the size of Spain!
But don't just take my word for it - read this delightful book, which concludes with a nice "George's career (as of 2008) by the numbers:"
190,000: Square miles of wilderness protected
54,700: Photos taken
36,600: Notebook pages filled with data and observations
195: Scientific and popular articles written
25: Countries where he conducted original research
16: Books written
0: Number of times injured by a wild animal
May 27, 2009
Tuner has created a vivid, moving biography of George Schaller, a researcher who transformed field biology with his studies of gorillas, tigers, lions, and other wild creatures around the globe. In the nineteenth-century, biologists studied exotic animals by with the approach: “find it, kill it, examine the corpse.” Schaller knew he could study these endangered animals by observing them in the wild. After his initial studies in Alaska, Schaller worked for two years in the Belgian Congo studying the mountain gorillas. Next, he observed lions in Tanzania for three years, tracked the elusive snow leopard through the Himalayas for six years, and spend five years working with the pandas in China. Middle school students will like the way this biography moves from place to place. Each chapter focuses on a different animal, and Turner creates suspense and with her descriptions of the challenges that Schaller faced.
I particularly liked the way that you get a sense of Schaller living in the wild with his family. George's wife Kay and young sons moved first to India and then to Africa with him. Kay and the boys experienced first hand many of the wild animals George was studying.
"One female cheetah raised two cubs near Seronera (the Schaller's home in Tanzania), and George and Kay grew to know her well. They heard the mother cheetah call her cubs with chirps and chirrs, sounding more like a bird than a cat. When the cubs were half-grown, kay saw the mother cheetah bring her daughters a live gazelle fawn. The cubs needed to learn the family business: chase, knock down, grab by the throat, and hold until dead. After several inept tries the cubs managed to knock the fawn down, but their mother had to handle the killing."
This is a wonderful book for kids to read to see that you can follow your dreams. From a young age, Schaller loved animals. He found a way to pursue his interests, developing his knowledge and leading scientists from all over the world in developing new respect for the natural world.
I particularly liked the way that you get a sense of Schaller living in the wild with his family. George's wife Kay and young sons moved first to India and then to Africa with him. Kay and the boys experienced first hand many of the wild animals George was studying.
"One female cheetah raised two cubs near Seronera (the Schaller's home in Tanzania), and George and Kay grew to know her well. They heard the mother cheetah call her cubs with chirps and chirrs, sounding more like a bird than a cat. When the cubs were half-grown, kay saw the mother cheetah bring her daughters a live gazelle fawn. The cubs needed to learn the family business: chase, knock down, grab by the throat, and hold until dead. After several inept tries the cubs managed to knock the fawn down, but their mother had to handle the killing."
This is a wonderful book for kids to read to see that you can follow your dreams. From a young age, Schaller loved animals. He found a way to pursue his interests, developing his knowledge and leading scientists from all over the world in developing new respect for the natural world.
December 6, 2008
Great read on these wonderful great beasts
March 4, 2009
Super fantastic, brilliantly written book, well deserves the Golden Kite!
Read
February 11, 2016Great book for any animal lover!
December 7, 2020
He lived among the apes before Fossey and Goodall. He helped generate Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and he wrote pioneering studies of pandas, tigers, and snow leopards.
He may be the world’s leading ecological missionary. So why haven’t you heard of George Schaller?
George Schaller PhD’62 is the reputed voice crying out for the wasteland — or he would be, if there were such a proverb.
In deserts and highlands, classrooms and boardrooms, he repeats his clarion call: Leave high the mountains and crooked the paths! There are wonders to be found in nature, and they must be protected!
This is the biography of George Schaller, one the world’s great field biologists, wildlife conservationists, environmentalists, and explorers.
Schaller, affiliated with the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York as an Emeritus Scientist, was born in 1933 in Germany, and moved to United States at the age of 11. He did his undergraduate work at the University of Alaska and Graduate work at the University of Wisconsin. He has worked for the Wildlife Conservation Society since the early 1960’s. He has spent much time in Asia, Africa, and South America. He pioneered the study of study of rare species such as the mountain gorilla, tiger, lion, jaguar, and the giant panda. He has also relentlessly campaigned for their conservation.
Over a career that spans decades and took him all over the world, Schaller transformed his field by demonstrating that dangerous animals, such as the snow leopard, mountain gorilla, and Serengeti lion, could be studied in their own habitats.
Illustrated with the scientist’s own photographs, the book includes maps and progress reports on the species he has studied and advice on how to get involved with conservation efforts.
Readers will be impressed with how much land Schaller has convinced governments to set aside for nature preserves and how he has lived
a truly impactful life out in the wildness.
He may be the world’s leading ecological missionary. So why haven’t you heard of George Schaller?
George Schaller PhD’62 is the reputed voice crying out for the wasteland — or he would be, if there were such a proverb.
In deserts and highlands, classrooms and boardrooms, he repeats his clarion call: Leave high the mountains and crooked the paths! There are wonders to be found in nature, and they must be protected!
This is the biography of George Schaller, one the world’s great field biologists, wildlife conservationists, environmentalists, and explorers.
Schaller, affiliated with the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York as an Emeritus Scientist, was born in 1933 in Germany, and moved to United States at the age of 11. He did his undergraduate work at the University of Alaska and Graduate work at the University of Wisconsin. He has worked for the Wildlife Conservation Society since the early 1960’s. He has spent much time in Asia, Africa, and South America. He pioneered the study of study of rare species such as the mountain gorilla, tiger, lion, jaguar, and the giant panda. He has also relentlessly campaigned for their conservation.
Over a career that spans decades and took him all over the world, Schaller transformed his field by demonstrating that dangerous animals, such as the snow leopard, mountain gorilla, and Serengeti lion, could be studied in their own habitats.
Illustrated with the scientist’s own photographs, the book includes maps and progress reports on the species he has studied and advice on how to get involved with conservation efforts.
Readers will be impressed with how much land Schaller has convinced governments to set aside for nature preserves and how he has lived
a truly impactful life out in the wildness.
February 2, 2020
An inspiring book for the young conservationist in your life. The work of George Schaller is sure to motivate a new generation of nature lovers through his life of involved action.
October 9, 2024
If your are a fan of George Schaller this book is so enjoyable. It is also a great introduction into the life of the famed field biologist.
November 27, 2014
Turner, Pamela S. (2008) A Life in the Wild: George Schaller's Struggle to Save the Last Great Beasts. Melanie Kroupa Books: New York, NY.
Junior Book: Informational
Booklist Starred Review
This book highlights field zoologist George Schaller's work to observe and preserve some of the world's most endangered species. George was in many ways a pioneer in providing real, unbiased field research of animals previously deemed as savage beasts such as gorillas and tigers. Through his work, extensive conservation efforts have been established, and we now know more about the mysteries of these animals. He traveled and often lived in remote areas of the world tracking and learning about gorillas in the Congo, tigers in India, lions in the Serengeti, snow leopards in the Himalayas, pandas in Tibet, and so much more. He often needed to know about all the animals inhabiting each area he researched because each species is so interdependent on others around them. For a long time, human interference has decreased these animals' populations but it was unclear how or why. Many people thought it was just a the natural course of nature for their numbers to be so small or that they needed to be hunted to keep the balance of predator/prey in check. Often times killing an endangered animal was justified by government because the animals would attack their domestic pets/livestock. But from his research he was able to provide undeniable evidence that people were the reason this was happening in the first place. From over farming and encroaching on wild lands, prey populations decreased which in turn left predators such as tigers and lions to face starvation. Poaching, whether intentional or not, was another factor for decreased populations. With his rigorous notes, fearless nature and persistence to the cause, George provides us (the reader) with an in depth understanding of each animal. It's amazing to see how similar these animals are to humans; they have such compassion for others and an investment in providing and teaching their young. I learned so much about these "common" zoo animals, for instance, gorillas are very non-confrontational and usually just throw vegetation or break sticks to express their anger. They mourn for their dead. And tigers are "family" animals. They nuzzle each other affectionately when they see each other and the young will not be allowed to leave until they can prove to their mother they are ready. While there were so wonderful, uplifting moments, there was also so much tragedy in this book. More than half of most endangered species do not reach maturity. The world is a very harsh place for them, and it's all because of human doing. This book is so great because besides giving kids an inside view into the daily lives of these animals, it really gives them a comprehensive idea of how the natural balance of the food chain works.
Junior Book: Informational
Booklist Starred Review
This book highlights field zoologist George Schaller's work to observe and preserve some of the world's most endangered species. George was in many ways a pioneer in providing real, unbiased field research of animals previously deemed as savage beasts such as gorillas and tigers. Through his work, extensive conservation efforts have been established, and we now know more about the mysteries of these animals. He traveled and often lived in remote areas of the world tracking and learning about gorillas in the Congo, tigers in India, lions in the Serengeti, snow leopards in the Himalayas, pandas in Tibet, and so much more. He often needed to know about all the animals inhabiting each area he researched because each species is so interdependent on others around them. For a long time, human interference has decreased these animals' populations but it was unclear how or why. Many people thought it was just a the natural course of nature for their numbers to be so small or that they needed to be hunted to keep the balance of predator/prey in check. Often times killing an endangered animal was justified by government because the animals would attack their domestic pets/livestock. But from his research he was able to provide undeniable evidence that people were the reason this was happening in the first place. From over farming and encroaching on wild lands, prey populations decreased which in turn left predators such as tigers and lions to face starvation. Poaching, whether intentional or not, was another factor for decreased populations. With his rigorous notes, fearless nature and persistence to the cause, George provides us (the reader) with an in depth understanding of each animal. It's amazing to see how similar these animals are to humans; they have such compassion for others and an investment in providing and teaching their young. I learned so much about these "common" zoo animals, for instance, gorillas are very non-confrontational and usually just throw vegetation or break sticks to express their anger. They mourn for their dead. And tigers are "family" animals. They nuzzle each other affectionately when they see each other and the young will not be allowed to leave until they can prove to their mother they are ready. While there were so wonderful, uplifting moments, there was also so much tragedy in this book. More than half of most endangered species do not reach maturity. The world is a very harsh place for them, and it's all because of human doing. This book is so great because besides giving kids an inside view into the daily lives of these animals, it really gives them a comprehensive idea of how the natural balance of the food chain works.
February 17, 2017
A Life in the Wild is an engaging and well-written account of the research and expeditions of the great conservationist, George Schaller. Mr. Schaller's extensive research in some of the most remote areas of the world resulted in upwards of 9 nature reserves and national parks worldwide. Some of the creatures he helped protect are mountain gorillas, snow leopards, pandas, tigers, and many more. I enjoyed hearing about his adventurous expeditions, which the author recounts in a manner that makes you feel like you are really there with him.
This book is a juvenile nonfiction and best suited to higher elementary grade levels, but as an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This book is a juvenile nonfiction and best suited to higher elementary grade levels, but as an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
December 25, 2008
Because it records an extraordinary life, although the text is clear and highly detailed, not particularly lyrical or with apparent effort in addressing young readers, the book is a worthy read. Definitely for older readers and adults. The design of the book, with its small margins, frequent full page text, and small photo inserts, also indicates a "higher" reading level.
Schaller's many achievements and experiences are truly remarkable. And there are plenty of moments in the book to move and touch the reader's heart, the accounts of the Gorilla mother's caring for her dead baby and Schaller's adoption of a tiger cub, for example. There are even quite a few humorous passages, such as this, on page 41: "Lions and hyenas often stole carcasses from each other, and hyenas stole from wild dogs. Both lions and hyenas stole from leopards, and everybody stole from cheetahs."
Schaller's many achievements and experiences are truly remarkable. And there are plenty of moments in the book to move and touch the reader's heart, the accounts of the Gorilla mother's caring for her dead baby and Schaller's adoption of a tiger cub, for example. There are even quite a few humorous passages, such as this, on page 41: "Lions and hyenas often stole carcasses from each other, and hyenas stole from wild dogs. Both lions and hyenas stole from leopards, and everybody stole from cheetahs."
April 10, 2011
I really enjoyed this biography of George Schaller and his work, but I wanted more pictures, particularly of George, but also of the animals and places he worked.
June 29, 2014
Amazing story of George who spent his entire life trying to protect, study, and save endangered animals. Great book!
January 18, 2011
I read this book to Zane and I loved it. It was very inspiring.
Read
December 11, 2012it is stoped i wood like to get a diefent book im on pag 15
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews