Title: Hope for Animals and Their World
Author: Jane Goodall
Genre: Biography/Non-fiction
Why I read “Hope for Animals and Their World”: I chose this book because environmental and animal conservation is very close to my heart, meaning I consider them great values in my life.
What I Learned: Reading this book gave me the opportunity to learn about animals I never heard of and wasn’t aware of their existence. I realized how often scientists are criticized and the hardships they face with people while fighting for reintroduction, breeding, and other aspects of returning a species to its native environment. In the case of the Black-Footed Ferret, I was appalled to learn how the scientists were criticized for not providing enough data – data they weren’t given permission to collect in the first place. This ferret, from Wyoming, faced many issues which were alarming to conservationists and were ignored by Wyoming’s own Game and Fishing. It was my understanding how there will always be some people, groups, or the government that will not understand or wish to assist in saving nearly extinct species; however, Jane showed me just how many more people there are than I thought who create obstacles or deny assistance to researchers and conservation scientists. “Old-time rangers with no understanding or patience with conservation Biologists” are among these people I read about. Such was the case with the wolves of Yellowstone. It became clear to me how hard the heroes mentioned in Jane’s book have to work to save the endangered species. Perilous seas, sharp rocks, and terrible living conditions are only a few of what Biologists suffer through. I learned of the people who’ve dedicated their lives to these animals and the personal discomfort they subject themselves to. I enjoyed their photos with their beloved animals. They view them as “living treasures,” as I do.
In greater depth I learned that habitat stability preparation and conservation is critical for the reintroduction of species. It became clear that trial and error is a norm in saving species and bringing them back to their natural habitat. I was inspired by the people who flew the ultralight planes from the Austrian Alps to Tuscany to show the Northern Bald Ibis where to migrate, and I cheered when they accomplished their goal. Jane has a way of telling stories like this one that puts you in the center of the adventure and makes us feel like we’re living it with the scientists. Lazarus Syndrome is where species once believed to be extinct have been recently found. In Ghana, Mis Waldron’s Red Colobus Monkeys and Lord Howe’s Island Phasmid are ones I’ve never heard of. The ominous, rocky black Ball’s Pyramid resembles Azkaban prison from Harry Potter and is the only place on Earth to find the phasmid insects, which are large, harmless, and fascinating! The harrowing dangers the researchers put themselves through to locate them is something to be admired. My favorite species mentioned were the Kakapo – the only flightless parrot saved from the brink of extinction by Don Merton – and the Vancouver Island Marmot. In a photo of Canadian logger Wayne O’Keefe holding a marmot named Iris, you can see the man’s heart melting. I became emotionally invested in the story of the Red Wolves and their success in the wild. Like with the Peregrine Falcons mentioned, I learned of their lineage and struggles. George Archibald and the Whooping Crane named Gee Whiz, Carl Sandfort wearing the Peregrine Falcon copulation hat, and other stories had me laughing and cheering when conservationists succeeded in their goals.
How reading “Hope for Animals in Their World” will contribute to my success: Jane inspires me by reminding us that “it’s never too late” to save species. “…These animals belong to the land” was Jane’s response to the question “Why save endangered/threatened species?” Saving them means protecting biodiversity; however, her book showed me that there are many who still simply “don’t get it” because they can’t understand the difference that losing these species will make. Scientists that work to save the phasmids received harsh criticism for saving a mere insect. I have hope for those who see the importance in protecting the environment and I learned of the different organizations that help the animals listed in Jane’s book. This information could be valuable in my search for an organization to volunteer or work for professionally one day. I’m drawn to the teamwork critical in the endeavors to save species I care about. In the back of her book, Jane lists the dos and don’ts to help animals and groups to contact for more information.
Psychologically, Jane inspired me to never give up on my dreams. Her empowering statement reflects Michael Santos’ teachings: “…what is most important is that you do something. Don’t feel that, because you cannot do all you would like to do, then it is better to do nothing” makes me believe that I can still do so much behind the razor wire to help wildlife, educate people, and plan for my future. It was said “Restrictions on DDT will never happen.” DDT was successfully banned thanks to scientists, Biologists, and conservationists – a reminder for me to not put too much stock in what some people will say can’t change. And most importantly, the story of how Andrew Bryant – the conservationist who devoted his life to the Vancouver Island Marmot – found himself in a logging boardroom presenting what he knew of the species and how the logging company was threatening them taught me a great lesson. At the end of his presentation, Stan Coleman asked “What do you want me to do about it?” In my future, when I advocate for prisoners and felons, I imagine I’ll be asked this question. In Andrew’s case, Coleman became the greatest advocate for the species, which taught me that those who seem like the greatest adversaries can become our greatest advocates.
