The Training of Wild Animals

by Frank C. Bostock

Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We have not used OCR(Optical Character Recognition), as this leads to bad quality books with introduced typos. (2) In books where there are images such as portraits, maps, sketches etc We have endeavoured to keep the quality of these images, so they represent accurately the original artefact. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts, we feel they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.

Genres: Nonfiction

292 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1903

Reviews

[Laura]

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]

I have the 1903 hardcover edition.