The Rhino With Glue-On Shoes: And Other Surprising True Stories Of Zoo Vets And Their Patients (2008) - Plot & Excerpts
GIven my modest zookeeping experience of three years or so, you'd think this book would not surprise me. After all, I've interacted with zoo vets enough to know how varied their work is. Yet I was still pleasantly surprised. The stories are captivating, and the caring for all animals shines through: I mean, diagnosing a lonely eel? Surgery on a minuscule frog? They're not even mammals! It was fascinating. A serious lesson to take away from this book is not only the equal importance of all species, but the limitations on the possible relationship between animals and zoo professionals, be they vets, keepers, or other workers. If we are to strive for a zoo's purpose to be preservation and restoration of species, we must realize that these animals are not ours to love and play with. Getting too attached makes them into pets. However hard it may be, distance must be kept at all times. After all, you never know when you will have to watch the animal's back retreating into its natural habitat or a transfer container, never looking back for all the mutual respect and friendliness you've had. Some of the stories of zoo animal rescue, illness and care were very entertaining...others bored me. Each account is reported by the veterinarian in charge of the patient's care which explains the unevenness of the quality of the accounts. Some writers captured the story in a more interesting way than others...all conveyed a love for animals and a desire to advance veterinary medicine in order to better treat the amazing animals in their care.
What do You think about The Rhino With Glue-On Shoes: And Other Surprising True Stories Of Zoo Vets And Their Patients (2008)?
Interesting and captivating - and with a story written by A. Rae Gandolf - a must read!
—petta
Scholarly, dry stories are about uninteresting veterinarians than neat animals. DNF p80
—Rachel
Great book, would have enjoyed more pictures.
—wkromm
