Dr. Fisher's Life on the Ark: Green Alligators, Bushman, and Other Hare-Raising Tales from America's Most Popular Zoo and Around the World by Lester E. Fisher

by Lester E. Fisher

Dr. Fisher's Life on the Ark( Green Alligators Bushman and Other "Hare-Raising Tales" from America's Most Popular Zoo and Around the World) <> Hardcover <> LesterE.Fisher <> RacomCommunication

Genres: Animals, Autobiography, History, Memoir, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published June 1, 2004

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a lifelong visitor to Lincoln Park Zoo, and a current volunteer at the institution, it's a wonder why it took me so long to read longtime director Dr. Fisher's book. But I'm glad that I did! Filled with stories of his time at the zoo, and zoo-related travels, this is a fantastic book for anyone who loves the zoo! The book is divided up by story, usually connected to the previous one in some way, and mostly in chronological order, with a few exceptions. I suspect Dr. Fisher may have believed that readers may have been more interested in skipping around from story to story instead of just reading the book front to back, since there are several chapters where he reintroduces someone who he had already introduced, or retells a story that he had already mentioned. And, admittedly, when I first bought this book 20 years ago, I did exactly that! There's very little criticism I would offer this book, only noticing a few slight editing oversights and maybe putting too much a focus on his safari travels towards the end of the book - I fully admit I skimmed through a lot of the final chapters instead of actually reading them, mostly because I was more interested in his zoo stories, especially since there aren't many from his last few years as zoo director. Regardless, anybody who loves Lincoln Park Zoo will love this book. I never got to meet Dr. Fisher, who lived a very long life before passing away at 100 years old just a few years ago. But I definitely feel like I knew him after reading this book!

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for anyone who grew up in Chicago from the 1950s to the 1990s and is familiar with our Zoo, Lincoln Park Zoo.

Dr. Lester Fisher who was a well-known Director of Lincoln Park Zoo tells his story of how he got to that position and then talks of his many adventures on safaris and getting animals for the Chicago zoo.

From his rise at Lincoln Park Zoo (in the shadow of Marlin Perkins who later made a name for himself with the show Wild Kingdom) to his stories during and after his Director's position at the zoo, Dr. Fisher delights his audience of his (mis)adventures.

A definite read for the zoo lover and for anyone interested in one of Chicago's own famous.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know Dr. Fisher through a family connection, which makes this book even cooler. I LOVE this book. I've read it about 5 times. If you like stories about animals and adventures, you will love this book. It chronicles his time as a private practice vet, in the service, as a part-time vet at the zoo, and then as the zoo director. He talks about how zoo practices have changed in the last century and about all the safaris he has been on. It is a fun, quick read!