Wild Lives: A History of People & Animals of the Bronx Zoo [Library Binding]

Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld (Author), Wildlife Conservation Society (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

From the moment the very first animals–two small, bedraggled prairie dogs–arrived at the Bronx Zoo in 1899, history was being made.
Zookeeping has steadily been evolving over the years: Today, animals that would once have been kept in iron cages roam freely in habitats similar to real prairies, jungles, and forests.
With engaging animal photos and lively anecdotes, Wild Lives takes readers through a century of zookeeping at one of the most-beloved zoos in the world, and shares what zoologists have learned over the years about keeping wild animals.


From the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8–A detailed, beautifully illustrated book. From the close-up photo of a tiger cub on the front cover to the gorgeous, clearly labeled, color and archival photos inside, the volume will grab the attention of browsers and researchers alike. Zoehfeld's narrative is enthusiastic and engaging; chapters cover the major figures, animal and human, responsible for the largely experimental development of the zoo. The highlighted quotes that open each chapter are sometimes vague or seem to be slightly out of context, but they add visual interest to the pages. The volume concludes with a montage of action shots. Wild Lives will be useful to report writers and those interested in how zoos have evolved in the United States.–Rebecca Stine, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Gr. 4-7. Zoehfeld tells the story of the Bronx Zoo, from the preparations for its opening in 1899 to its current efforts in the areas of conservation and education. Along with information on the zoo, she discusses trends in thinking about wildlife, the ethics of removing animals from their habitats for their safety or for public display, and ongoing threats to the existence of many species. By presenting the personal stories, beliefs, and actions of significant individuals in the zoo's history, Zoehfeld makes a strong case for the importance of zoos in developing public awareness of the plight of wild animals and their ecosystems. Appended is a source bibliography of books for adults and children, with bullets indicating those recommended for further reading. The many photos, attractive layout, and use of color contribute to the visual appeal of this informative zoo story. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Library Binding: 96 pages
• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (March 14, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375906304
• ISBN-13: 978-0375906305
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 8.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,030,063 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld is the award-winning author of more than sixty books for children, including DINOSAUR TRACKS, "a great choice for even the most discriminating dinophiles" (School Library Journal); DID DINOSAURS HAVE FEATHERS?, a Children's Book of the Month Club selection, described as "fascinating" by Kirkus Reviews; and DINOSAURS BIG AND SMALL, a 2003 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Book Award winner.

When she's not reading, researching, writing, or editing, Kathleen loves to spend her free time exploring, doing fieldwork, and preparing fossils for her local natural history museums.