Animal Welfare in Focus, Fall/Winter 2008
A publication of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies

Rob Laidlaw is a founder of Zoocheck Canada and a long-time campaigner for the protection of wildlife. His newest book, Wild Animals in Captivity, proves to be an excellent resource for the next generation of animal welfare supporters. Unlike many books written for a tween or young teen audience, Wild Animals presents information in a factual and interesting way. Readers, both young and old, will appreciate a tone that educates without condescending.

Laidlaw writes in the introduction that his goal is that readers of Wild Animals will "start asking questions" the next time they visit a zoo. He accomplishes this goal by providing young readers with the facts necessary to make informed judgements as to the condition and care of the animals they see; among these are signs that the animals are suffering and a list of ways animal welfare supporters of all ages can help change the poor conditions under which many animals must live when in captivity. His advice is practical and his examples frequently juxtapose negative conditions with positive ones, illustrating both what to look out for and what to aim toward.