Last Animals at the Zoo: How Mass Extinction Can Be Stopped (A Shearwater Book) [Paperback]

Colin Tudge (Author)

Book Description

Series: A Shearwater Book | Publication Date: January 1, 1993

In Last Animals at theZoo, Colin Tudge argues that zoos have become an essential part of modernconservation strategy, and that the only real hope for saving many endangeredspecies is through creative use of zoos in combination with restoration ofnatural habitats. From the genetics of captive breeding to techniques ofbehavioral enrichment, Tudge examines all aspects of zoo conservation programs and explains how the precarious existence of so many animals can best be protected.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Zoos play an essential role in modern conservation strategy, stresses the author, a fellow of the Royal Zoological Society in London, their most important task being the breeding of endangered species for return to the wild. Tudge introduces us to the science of captive breeding, which combines molecular biology with reproductive physiology. The next step, reintroduction, demands protection of the animals, management, preservation and restoration of habitat and public education. Tudge describes successful programs with Arabian oryx, red wolf, Pere David's deer and golden lion tamarind and discusses other programs in progress and experimental breeding techniques. In addition to keeping the animals healthy, zookeepers must provide behavioral and environmental enrichment ("keep them happy"). Tudge cites several innovative measures taken at major zoos--Portland, Oreg.; London; Glasgow; and Aspenhuel, Holland. He engages in philosophical speculation about animals, combined with delightful stories.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Given the growing number of titles being published on wildlife conservation and the role of zoos in the preservation and introduction of species (Jake Page's Zoo: The Modern Ark, LJ 5/1/90 ; Page's Smithsonian's New Zoo, LJ 6/1/90; Gerald Durrell's The Ark's Anniversary , LJ 8/1/91), what makes this book so special is its sophisticated European and philosophical approach. Tudge, a scientific fellow of the Zoological Society of London, delves deeply into reasons why we must conserve animals and considers controversial philosophical issues such as how much wildlife do we need and how much should we interfere in the lives of animals. He spends considerable time discussing the difficulties involved in breeding exotic species in captivity and gives examples of particular projects such as those involving Golden Lion Tamarins, Arabian Oryx, and Red Wolves. Although Tudge obviously supports zoos and what he presents as their role for the future of wildlife conservation, his work presents both sides of the picture and remains unbiased. Highly recommended for informed audiences.
- Edell Marie Peters, Brookfield P.L., Wis.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 266 pages
• Publisher: Island Press (January 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559631570
• ISBN-13: 978-1559631570
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,298,482 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Filled with great information on conservation breeding, December 11, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: Last Animals at the Zoo: How Mass Extinction Can Be Stopped (A Shearwater Book) (Paperback)

If you ever wanted to know more about efforts to save endangered animals, this is the book to start with. It is easy to read, but does not shy away from discussing relevant aspects of genetics. Chapter 4, "The Theory of Conservation Breeding," is especially good in detailing the practical goals conservation breeders hope to achieve and also the many problems they face

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Conservation Makes Sense, November 20, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Last Animals at the Zoo: How Mass Extinction Can Be Stopped (A Shearwater Book) (Paperback)

This book showed amazing depth in its amount of pages. The author's ideas simply made sense. Conservation is presented from every angle, never simply glossed over. The topic is made interesting and easy to understand, with explanations simple yet in-depth. All perspectives are shown. While the author makes his views known, he gives you enough room to let you form your own opinion. This book is great!

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thought-provoking, June 17, 2002

By 

boron "ringtail117" (VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Last Animals at the Zoo: How Mass Extinction Can Be Stopped (A Shearwater Book) (Paperback)

In addition to providing an excellent overview of the role of modern zoos and of captive breeding programs, Tudge also begins the book with an overview of the ethics of conservation. Unfortunately, I did not find in that discussion an ethos that really worked for me, but the presentation did give me much food for thought - which after all is what I look for in a good book.