Zoo Vet: Adventures of a Wild Animal Doctor

by David Taylor

An animal doctor specializing in rare and wild animals recounts his professional visits to zoos and game preserves around the world and tells about hilarious situations and lost causes

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction, Nature, Biography, Memoir, Wildlife, Travel

255 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

David Conrad Taylor, BVMS, FRCVS, FZS, was a British veterinary surgeon. He was the first veterinary surgeon to specialise in zoo and wildlife medicine. Taylor worked with zoo and wild animals from 1957, acting as a consultant on the treatment of some of the rarest species on Earth. He was world-renowned as an expert in marine mammal medicine.

In the mid-1970s and early 1980s, Taylor wrote a popular series of autobiographical books that charted his life and experiences as a "Zoo Vet". These books were adapted for Television in a drama series, One by One. He continued to be a prolific writer until his death. [wikipedia]

Reviews

[Connie N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not have high expectations of this book since it was just chosen to fulfill a challenge, but I was so pleased and enjoyed it greatly. I'd give it a 4.5-star rating, if I could. What a fascinating look at a job I never knew existed. I never really thought about the fact that zoos and circuses all have valuable and well-loved animals that, of course, need medical care from time to time. Taylor is a vet who has specialized in exotic animals. But this is such a hugely diverse group that his stories are fascinating. He's treated everything from giraffes, elephants, and gorillas to sea mammals like dolphins and killer whales. As he became more well-known in his field, he began travelling the world to care for all types of animals. He also participated in searches for certain types of animals for collectors or zoos, as well as arranging transport for these creatures. Although I'm not a huge animal lover, his caring and thoughtfulness toward these animals was so warm and intelligent that I couldn't help but enjoy it. Very reminiscent of the style of writing of James Herriot, which draws you into his life with a series of entertaining stories.

[schuyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its like James Harriot with zoo animals

[kait cab · Rating 3 out of 5]

so liek dr taylor is evidently not a writer and it shows but he has really good stories to tell. really fun book despite the mediocre writing.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was in a large pile of books I bought at a charity book sale for giving away later this year. I love to watch all the shows about veterinarians and exotic animals and figured why not give it a try. Considering that it was published 45 years ago, it was still quite interesting. Circuses and small local zoos like the one Taylor worked at are not so common any more because of concerns about animal welfare, but this is an interesting glimpse inside that world. In addition, he was quite concerned about the welfare of these animals and it shows in his writing. During the events covered in the book there were multiple advances in exotic animal veterinary medicine and certainly there have been quite a few since. It was interesting to see him deal with things like finding the right anesthetic for an elephant or what measles looks like in a killer whale. It was sad to see that parts about those who did not care for their animals -- that poor dolphin in France! the animals in Qatar! -- but heartening to see him advocate for them in his British way.

[Khanh · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. It was interesting to read about his different adventures and procedures with all of the animals that he worked on. But the writing is kind of dry.

[Nola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relatively short book about the trials and difficulties of exotic animal medicine when anesthetics, procedures and handling methods were being trialed and tested.

At one point the vet transports a sedated male orangutan in the front seat of his car with some spare anesthetic in a syringe within reach just in case he wakes up. Luckily it does not all end in someone having bits ripped off them by an extremely powerful ape.

As well as treating animals in zoos the vet also treats animals in circuses/other types or traveling animal shows as well as exotic animals which are privately owned and details some of the cruelties that were common practice to use on performing animals at the time.

Ultimately I found the books to be interesting and informative and I'm very glad for the advances that have been made both in the field of exotic vet medicine but also the stringent quarantine measures that western world zoos now employ.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This vet operated on an elephant's trunk, having worked out that he needed to cut along the trunk rather than across to avoid severing nerves and muscles. He took out the growth giving her difficulties, and sewed her up and Rosie the elephant remembered him kindly.

Some zoos were not actually zoos but travelling circuses in Europe which kept animals in cages with enough food but no room or treatment. They had dental problems and other injuries. David says that many vets refuse to treat circus animals as it keeps the circus going but his attitude is that the animals still need treatment.

From marine mammals to land animals David was kept busy, and he had to work out procedures such as dosages in many cases as these had not been established. I enjoyed this read.

[Lenny Husen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting 1970's Veterinary Memoir. Not a professional writer but a very intelligent and admirable Animal Doctor. A 50/50 blend of sad/unfortunate outcomes and excellent/skillful ones.
Who should read: Anyone at all interested in exotic animals or in Veterinary Medicine.

I found the diagnosis and treatment part fascinating.

I did not know that Hippos were omnivorous and definitely eat other animals when in captivity or stressed. It seems, per my internet research of Hippos, that Dr. Taylor was the very first to document this behavior.

[Marjorie French · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book many years ago and have remembered it kindly. This man's devotion to the animals he treated was incredible, especially in a time where it was fine to keep animals in cages and not have to worry about organizations picketing or slamming your zoo or circus or whatever on social media. He passed away in 2013. He began his career with wild animals in 1957!! So little was known then about wild animal medicine, and there was much trial and error. I imagine his knowledge was a huge contribution to Veterinary medicine.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an entertaining book about a vet in the 1960s - 1970s who was embarking on a new and specialized career path in dealing exclusively with exotic animals. I enjoyed the stories and appreciated that Dr. Taylor was dealing with some of the situations without any reference material to draw on or persons to call. This is a good book and I would recommend it for anyone who likes stories about animals.

[Jennifer Morefield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bit outdated but it was still an interesting story of veterinary work several years ago. It was a look at the first whales in captivity and parks in England. It was a bit sad as well because whales in captivity is sad for me. It was interesting. I loved the stories of the giraffes, wallabies, and monkeys/apes. I also enjoyed the story of the onager. I didn't even know what an onager was. A good solid nonfiction story. I love animal stories.

[E Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This entertaining set of stories (think James Herriot's series of books) follows the escapades of a British zoo vet across the UK and beyond as he treats exotic animals of land and sea.

[Paul Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book from the worlds first vet to deal solely with zoo and exotic animals. Full of pathos, humour and warmth. Highly recommended.

[Robert A · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 to 4.0 stars The book was interesting and I did learn some facts about zoo animals but the stories weren't super engaging or funny. It was just okay.

[Julie Havener · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great story, humorous and sad like the Herriot books. Great family read.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Similar to the James Herriot books, but this guy is a zoo vet. Lots of fun animal stories here, and some sad.

[Sharon]

A well written quick read, especially if you are looking for "z" for the reading challenge. Contains quite a few sad animal tales though

[Vashti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and funny.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book takes a look inside a world of veterinary medicine that I suspect was largely unfamiliar to the general public at the time the book was written, that of exotic animal doctor. Given the distant lands to which Dr. Taylor took his services throughout this book, his specialty was in high demand back then, with few people able to take on the clientele. That said, he often mentioned how hit or miss the work was, that without the routine patient load of cats and dogs or farm animals, he would often have spells of idleness when no one needed him, which were offset by the number of times he would be in mainland Europe or the U.S. tending to a sick animal when one of his regular zoos in Britain would call with an emergency.
In the 4 decades since 'Zoo Vet' came out, it seems likely that each of the facilities mentioned employs at least one doctor to have on site these days, such that Taylor's trans-Atlantic trips would be unfathomable. Given how many unfortunate outcomes happened in this book either because Taylor couldn't be two places at once or due to delays in communication, transportation, or getting test results back, there was definitely much room for improvement. However, based on Taylor's observations, prior to his arrival on the scene with specialized knowledge, care for exotics was minimal at best, so for the animals he worked with, it was definitely better.
I appreciated his open-minded approach to situations because even a fellow specializing in exotic animals can't know every minute detail about every species, especially since he was traveling all over the world to see patients. Acupuncture for a giraffe or beer for stomach ulcers in a whale might sound unconventional, but when the 'conventional' isn't necessarily known or hasn't worked thus far, improvising is the name of the game.
This was a good book for travel, as it was engaging, thin, and could easily be picked back up right where I left off.

[Sloane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book on a shelf at the zoo I'm currently working at, and since I spent most of my lunch trying to look like I'm busy on my phone, I figured I'd give it a try.
For those interested in zoos, veterinarians, zoo medicine, or just animals in general, I definitely recommend giving this book a read. The writing is simple and fast-paced--something I believe to be very representative of what the field is actually like, unpredictable, enigmatic, and challenging. Every day is a new adventure for Dr. Taylor who quits his "quiet" country practice for the world of exotics and zoos. Some of the information and techniques are probably old and the field is no longer run like this today, but it's still an interesting read by any stretch of the imagination.

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished reading a condensed book from Reader’s Digest and this was the next book in the volume—which made it a quick read! If you enjoy James Herriot, you should like this book as well. Instead of farm animals, David Taylor cares for exotic animals in zoos and circuses. It was amazing to hear what he was willing to do for God’s creatures—riding in a cargo plane at freezing temperatures to transport a killer whale or enduring 6 hours of surgery to remove an elephant’s tooth. Sometimes he was not successful, but it is obvious his love for animals is as big as the giraffes, hippos, whales and elephants he cares for.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book about David Taylor, who knew he wanted to treat animals from a early age, and realized his dream. Not satisfied with the regular veterinary practice, he decides to treat only exotic animals. Dr.Taylor becomes well know, and is called upon from all over the world, to come see an ailing dolphin or sick killer whale, or hurt giraffe. Some of these stories are funny and some are not. I liked this book very much.

[Kate Millin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick and easy read I had great trouble putting down. It is fascinating to read about how exotic animal medicine has developed, and the lack of knowledge and information even so recently as the 1970's. What is also interesting is the difference in his attitude to orca and dolphin shows to the current view about them being bad by many people. It certainly gets across his love for the animals.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun collection of stories from Dr. David Taylor's career as an exotic animal veterinarian. Since most of the cases he shares come from the 1970s, a lot of the treatments are like a fun look back at how things used to be done. Entertaining, engaging, and a fast read.

[Jeanelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling look at animals from a whole different perspective...do you know how much anethesia it takes to work on an elephant's tooth?

[Kathy Govreau · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well written book done with humor and an obvious love for all animals (some more than others.) I have ordered all of his books to read.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a James Herriot as many of his zoo patients died but he was on the cutting edge of zoo veterinary science. Surely things are different today but an interesting book.

[Beka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all his animal anecdotes.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three and a half stars. I was obsessed with this series when I was a teen, and I just remembered them a few years ago. Fast forward to me finally finding them, and ordering a copy of one book from Abe Books.

Fortunately, it turned out to be as good as I remembered. David Taylor is a zoo vet in England who travels around treating wild animals. When I say "travels around", I mean that he goes to all parts of the world, treating all species of animals.

The book is 40 years old, but still stands up well. The writing is still good and it is funny and engaging, if a bit rambling.

I was surprised by how technical parts of this book are, and how much more I appreciate and understand the technicality of the text now that I'm an agricultural reporter who specializes in livestock. :)