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School Library Journal Reviews July, 2008
[Click this sentence to read the SLJ Interview].
*LAIDLAW, Rob. Wild Animals in Captivity. 48p. photos. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Fitzhenry & Whiteside. Aug. 2008. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-1-55455-025-8. LC C2007-902283-9.
Gr 5-8
Laidlaw presents a passionate, well-written, and well-researched argument against the practices of most zoos around the world. He describes the damage done when animals are unnaturally confined and moved to inhospitable climates, and compares the wild and captive lives of polar bears, orcas, elephants, and great apes–the four species most harmed by captivity. The author looks at various types of confinements, from roadside zoos to wild-animal parks to large public zoos, and gives readers several sets of questions and checklists for evaluating the fair treatment of animals in zoos that they visit. In the end, Laidlaw advocates replacing zoos with wildlife sanctuaries and conservation centers, in which the needs of animals are placed before the entertainment and edification of human visitors. This is not a balanced report. Laidlaw clearly hopes to raise the consciousness of a generation. Despite the careful selection of photos that do not show active torture of animals, the book is heartbreaking. Sensitive children will be deeply disturbed as they read of the electric shocks that animals receive if they touch the real trees in “natural” exhibit areas and the fate of overbred lions and tigers. This title is likely to be controversial. It does not excuse the practices of our most hallowed zoos, and it criticizes the standards of the U.S. Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The issues raised in this important and powerful book will resonate with young and old.
Ellen Heath, Easton Area Public Library, Easton, PA
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