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It's a Wild Life: How My Life Became a Zoo
Pursuing your passion includes a whole lot of crap. For Bud DeYoung, that’s about two hundred pounds a day!
Since childhood, Bud had a passion for animals. As an adult, that passion led to the rescue of a bear who lived in his family’s house, then more animals crowding for space, until Bud eventually built an entire private zoo around his home in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Along the way, a regular visitor named Carrie joined her passion for animals with Bud’s. Together they now educate the public about animal conservation, battle the harsh winters and blazing summers, and daily dole out love to the hundreds of rescued animals in their care. Meanwhile, they teach by example how to make the world a better place while pursuing their passion.
Welcome to the fascinating, heartwarming journey of one man, one woman, and an amazing cast of critters, whose stories will warm your soul. Welcome to the wild life of the DeYoung Family Zoo.
Since childhood, Bud had a passion for animals. As an adult, that passion led to the rescue of a bear who lived in his family’s house, then more animals crowding for space, until Bud eventually built an entire private zoo around his home in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Along the way, a regular visitor named Carrie joined her passion for animals with Bud’s. Together they now educate the public about animal conservation, battle the harsh winters and blazing summers, and daily dole out love to the hundreds of rescued animals in their care. Meanwhile, they teach by example how to make the world a better place while pursuing their passion.
Welcome to the fascinating, heartwarming journey of one man, one woman, and an amazing cast of critters, whose stories will warm your soul. Welcome to the wild life of the DeYoung Family Zoo.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published May 19, 2014
1 person is currently reading
278 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 1, 2025
Before I get started on this review, I just want to mention that I am a huge longtime fan of The DeYoung Family Zoo in Wallace, Michigan.
So, here's an enormous thank you to Bud and Carrie for all that they do (and for signing my copy - it's one of my most prized possessions).
So, without any further ado, let's get started!
The DeYoung Family Zoo is a labor of love.
"Quite literally, my life is a zoo. For the past forty-odd years, I've built the DeYoung Family Zoo...Truth be told, I wouldn't have life any other way."
Ever since Bud DeYoung was a child, he would find some way to bring animals home. Whether it be a flock of ducks, a few chickens or several pigeons, he was always bringing something home.
However, it is one thing to pick up a few birds here and there...it's another to create your own zoo. xxv
And right when most mothers would have thrown up their hands, Bud's mom had a decidedly different reaction.
"Maybe trading our beagle for a monkey wasn't the right thing to do. But at the time, the deal made sense to me..."
Animals and Bud DeYoung are a packaged deal throughout his childhood...Which was a surprise to his future wife!
"Mom had four kids and the grocery and garden center businesses, so perhaps a monkey in the house seemed the least of her worries."
But eventually, everyone just knew that you can't have one without the other.
Annnnd...that soon snowballed into a sixty-acre 400+ animal zoo, with another 300(ish) animals at their no-kill animal shelter, Pipers Rescue Ranch.
"We became so accustomed to Honeybear that she was simply part of the family. We'd be eating supper, and the bear would eat off the table."
It's a lot to manage but they always go above and beyond.
Often sacrificing their own creature comforts for various creatures who need comfort.
Carrie and Bud foster baby animals throughout the summer - either orphaned or abandoned and often incorporate them into the zoo's programming.
"My fiancee, Carrie, and I have had eight years of animal housemate."
Animal encounters are used as a way to socialize these young animals to the hustle and bustle of zoo life!
The book goes into several vignettes throughout Bud DeYoung's life regarding his run-ins with a few memorable animals - such as one of the stars:
Wallace the hippo was an addition to the zoo a few years ago and I have always loved visiting the portly fella...but until this book, I have never considered all of the challenges associated with owning a hippo in the UP of Michigan.
"Wallace has certainly been the most difficult animal to maintain at the zoo...I swear, food goes right through him."
His enclosure alone cost upwards of 22,000! And to think, Bud DeYoung plans to acquire a few more because hippos are considered social animals and he doesn't want Wallace to be lonely!
I loved all the stories about Louie - a chimpanzee infant - who was fostered by Bud and Carrie until he was old enough to live on his own....and since chimpanzees are social animals, Bud decided to build Louie a huge enclosure and assemble a troop for him. Truly amazing.
Ahhh! I really cannot express enough how much I love, adore and cherish this zoo.
"Yes, life might have been simpler. But what an amazing life I would have missed, and what still waits on the horizon?"
It is truly one of a kind. If you are ever in the area, I highly (highly) recommend it.
One of my favorite parts of the book's philosophy is how Bud DeYoung has always believed that natural nature (opposed to fake plants and vines, the sculpted rock walls, etc) is best for animals and that is completely reflected in their homes.
Bud DeYoung makes his enclosures around the natural formations of the sixty-acre property.
But it's not just their homes that are natural - their diet is as well!
Every day, rain or shine, Bud DeYoung goes around to all of the big cats of the zoo and provides them with a little snack - fresh downed cattle donated from the neighboring farms.
All the while, Carrie provides a running commentary about their animals - always talking about fun stories and emphasizing conservation.
After all of the zoo guests are gone, Bud delivers whole carcasses for the carnivores.
He does his absolute best to mimic the wild diet and habitat and that's reflected in his animals lifespans.
It's not unusual to spot a tiger (they typically live 15 in captivity) at age 18 or older. Bears live to their late twenties. There's something about the DeYoung lifestyle that (quite literally) keeps these animals young.
Throughout a typical zoo day, there are plenty of animal encounters and various educational programs.
A pet project of Carrie's is Carrie's Canines - where she visits her various wolfpacks (one led by an alpha three-legged female!) and her hyenas.
And by visits, I do mean visit. Carrie has hand-raised many of the animals at the zoo and is considered "one of the pack" for the wolves...and her hyenas.
As part of the zoo's daily content, Carrie steps in with her packs to give them treats (aka beef) and love rubs, all the while explaining why these beautiful and endangered animals should be treasured and cared for.
I've had the honor and the pleasure to meet with Bud and Carrie many times and what he does is nothing short of amazing.
This zoo, along with the book, is something truly near and dear to my heart. If there's anything I can do as a reviewer, it would be to bring more attention to such a wonderful novel and unique family.
All in all, if you are looking for an amazing perspective on local history, or a novel about an unique zoo, or if you really just love quirky animal stories - this is the right book for you.
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July 30, 2014
Bud DeYoung’s love of animals started early. As a child, his collection grew from a flock of ducklings in the back yard to chickens, pigeons and all sorts of critters in trouble. Instead of delving into sports, Bud chose to give guided tours through his backyard menagerie @ two bits a trip. Eventually, his passion grew into a full-fledged animal rescue operation. A zoo.
We come to know the personalities of various animals, presented like well-loved members of the family. Wallace, the hippo that responds to verbal commands and crushes watermelons between his jaws to impress the crowd. Teddy Bear, the four-hundred pound black bear rescued from a small enclosure to discover the wonders of grass beneath his feet and roaming free. Or Louie the loving orphan-chimp whose best friend was a dingo named Janis.
Scenes throughout impart the frantic feel of zoo-life to the reader, keeping one turning the pages to see what-in-the-world will happen next. Bud and his friend, Carrie, give us an inside look at the daily delights and challenges of running a zoo. We learn how adopting one chimp led to a desire to create a primate rescue facility to save many and how a close encounter with a pet deer’s antlers turned dangerous in a heartbeat.
Pick up this book for a bit of adventure. It is a novel escape into the wild - right in your living room.
We come to know the personalities of various animals, presented like well-loved members of the family. Wallace, the hippo that responds to verbal commands and crushes watermelons between his jaws to impress the crowd. Teddy Bear, the four-hundred pound black bear rescued from a small enclosure to discover the wonders of grass beneath his feet and roaming free. Or Louie the loving orphan-chimp whose best friend was a dingo named Janis.
Scenes throughout impart the frantic feel of zoo-life to the reader, keeping one turning the pages to see what-in-the-world will happen next. Bud and his friend, Carrie, give us an inside look at the daily delights and challenges of running a zoo. We learn how adopting one chimp led to a desire to create a primate rescue facility to save many and how a close encounter with a pet deer’s antlers turned dangerous in a heartbeat.
Pick up this book for a bit of adventure. It is a novel escape into the wild - right in your living room.
September 18, 2016
This was a fascinating look into what it takes to make a zoo. It comes across loud and clear that Bud DeYoung and Carrie respect and love all creatures. In It's a Wild Life, we see the hardship, the non-stop work and the dedication Buddy DeYoung put into building his zoo.
In stories both heartwarming and heartbreaking, we get to know some of the zoo and rescue animals. Especially nice to read was about Teddy Bear's last, best year. Surprisingly, Buddy doesn't have a favorite animal. He likes the chickens and pigeons as much as the hippo, lions and tigers and bears.
I've only visited the zoo three times, briefly. The first time, years ago, there were pens full of animals. By my second visit, everything was double fenced and on my most recent visit, I saw even more progress, with trails and habitats. This book gives us the behind the scenes thoughts and reasons for many of the questions I had and I'm sure other people have about the zoo.
They say everyone has a dream, but not all people with dreams get to pursue them. I'd like to say how lucky, but it didn't come without a lot of hard work. It's a Wild Life is inspirational. Fantastic photos too. Sometimes good things happen later in life.
In stories both heartwarming and heartbreaking, we get to know some of the zoo and rescue animals. Especially nice to read was about Teddy Bear's last, best year. Surprisingly, Buddy doesn't have a favorite animal. He likes the chickens and pigeons as much as the hippo, lions and tigers and bears.
I've only visited the zoo three times, briefly. The first time, years ago, there were pens full of animals. By my second visit, everything was double fenced and on my most recent visit, I saw even more progress, with trails and habitats. This book gives us the behind the scenes thoughts and reasons for many of the questions I had and I'm sure other people have about the zoo.
They say everyone has a dream, but not all people with dreams get to pursue them. I'd like to say how lucky, but it didn't come without a lot of hard work. It's a Wild Life is inspirational. Fantastic photos too. Sometimes good things happen later in life.
April 21, 2015
I enjoyed this book!! My family and I are acquainted with Bud and have visited his zoo many times. It is an amazing personal, hands-on zoo!! To read his personal input on all the struggles and the joys of his zoo just adds to the beauty and interest of this very fun and awesome place!! It is enlightening to know how it all began for Bud and to see the love and respect he has for each of his animals. The book is filled with so many personal and interesting and heart-warming stories. If you hadn't seen Deyoung Zoo before, you are sure going to want to go now!
September 13, 2015
great book- Stacy, you should read it since you enjoy zoo's
Read
March 1, 2016This is an amazing book. I loved it.
June 7, 2014
http://openbooksociety.com/article/it...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Review:
Bud DeYoung always wanted a life with animals. Starting from a young age he brought home critters and cared for them. Even though he was sidetracked by circumstances into working the family store, he still kept up with his critters. Starting with poultry, fowl and small animals. His mother encouraged him to follow his dreams. And he has been doing so ever since he was young. Through a failed marriage, financial issues and fierce Michigan winters, he preserved and kept his dream alive. His private zoo thrives in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula regardless of the hardships.
Bud’s first big animal was a bear he rescued that ended up living in his home. In this book, Bud takes us from his childhood, through his first encounters with wildlife, a failed marriage to his first love and on to his finding a perfect partner in a visitor to the zoo. The DeYoung Family Zoo was even featured on Nat Geo Wild for a season. Bud tells us how he ended up in this strange profession, following his dream every day, and dreaming bigger and better always.
Through Bud’s own words we meet his partner in the zoo and in life Carrie. She was a regular visitor that came and ended up staying. Even after meeting his wolves(a way he weeded out the dates previously). Carrie not only thrived as his partner, bringing passion and new ideas to the zoo, but also started her own rescue. The stories dealing with her rescue are so heartwarming and full of hope and love.
For me I have to say that the parts of this book I enjoyed most were THE LETTERS FROM OUR VISITORS, HOW IT ALL COMES BACK AND BEYOND OUR DREAMS. Those were so inspiring and heartfelt. This is a very enjoyable book. The format is nice and keeps you entertained with humor, kindness and depth of knowledge. It is not a preaching in your face book. More like sitting on a rambling porch listening to wonderful stories told by a kind hearted man. Any animal lover, like myself, will find this a beautiful story full of inspiration and love.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Review:
Bud DeYoung always wanted a life with animals. Starting from a young age he brought home critters and cared for them. Even though he was sidetracked by circumstances into working the family store, he still kept up with his critters. Starting with poultry, fowl and small animals. His mother encouraged him to follow his dreams. And he has been doing so ever since he was young. Through a failed marriage, financial issues and fierce Michigan winters, he preserved and kept his dream alive. His private zoo thrives in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula regardless of the hardships.
Bud’s first big animal was a bear he rescued that ended up living in his home. In this book, Bud takes us from his childhood, through his first encounters with wildlife, a failed marriage to his first love and on to his finding a perfect partner in a visitor to the zoo. The DeYoung Family Zoo was even featured on Nat Geo Wild for a season. Bud tells us how he ended up in this strange profession, following his dream every day, and dreaming bigger and better always.
Through Bud’s own words we meet his partner in the zoo and in life Carrie. She was a regular visitor that came and ended up staying. Even after meeting his wolves(a way he weeded out the dates previously). Carrie not only thrived as his partner, bringing passion and new ideas to the zoo, but also started her own rescue. The stories dealing with her rescue are so heartwarming and full of hope and love.
For me I have to say that the parts of this book I enjoyed most were THE LETTERS FROM OUR VISITORS, HOW IT ALL COMES BACK AND BEYOND OUR DREAMS. Those were so inspiring and heartfelt. This is a very enjoyable book. The format is nice and keeps you entertained with humor, kindness and depth of knowledge. It is not a preaching in your face book. More like sitting on a rambling porch listening to wonderful stories told by a kind hearted man. Any animal lover, like myself, will find this a beautiful story full of inspiration and love.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
April 20, 2015
Had I picked this book up a couple of years ago when I knew less about animal rescue/ what are legally defined sanctuaries, the Lacey Act that prevents the trade of animals that have been illegally taken from the wild, possessed, transported and sold (which DeYoung has been found to have violated) and other depressing facts about animal trafficking I would probably have enjoyed it. Unfortunately because I do have a better understanding of wildlife rescue I just could not like this book.
From what I can tell, DeYoung is in no way "helping" these animals. Just because you like animals does not always mean that you know the best way to help protect, provide healthy food, provide enrichment etc. Had he decided to stick with domestic animals I probably would have been ok with the book. But as he made the decision to purchase animals he stopped being a guy who likes animals and will take in homeless animals or animals in need of rescue to just another guy more interested in exploiting animals than saving them.
From what I can tell, DeYoung is in no way "helping" these animals. Just because you like animals does not always mean that you know the best way to help protect, provide healthy food, provide enrichment etc. Had he decided to stick with domestic animals I probably would have been ok with the book. But as he made the decision to purchase animals he stopped being a guy who likes animals and will take in homeless animals or animals in need of rescue to just another guy more interested in exploiting animals than saving them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2016
I found this to be an honest and moving account of one man's passion for animals - for over 40 years, Bud DeYoung has been looking after animals. The book charts the animals Bud has owned over the years; the joy he has found in taking care of them and sharing them with others and; some of the injuries he's sustained looking after them!
Bud is clearly a very hard worker and has been for most of his life - he's also had lots of help over the years and there was a clear desire to thank some of those people in this book.
The book is heartfelt without becoming over sentimental, many of the stories will be saddening and/or heart-warming to animal lovers - for me, this started with Teddy Bear who Bud rescued from a very small enclosure and carried on with tales of Louie the chimpanzee, Wallace the hippo and more animals than you can believe.
The book ends with a selection of letters from visitors to the DeYoung Family Zoo, which give a glimpse into how inspirational the zoo has been to many people.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Bud is clearly a very hard worker and has been for most of his life - he's also had lots of help over the years and there was a clear desire to thank some of those people in this book.
The book is heartfelt without becoming over sentimental, many of the stories will be saddening and/or heart-warming to animal lovers - for me, this started with Teddy Bear who Bud rescued from a very small enclosure and carried on with tales of Louie the chimpanzee, Wallace the hippo and more animals than you can believe.
The book ends with a selection of letters from visitors to the DeYoung Family Zoo, which give a glimpse into how inspirational the zoo has been to many people.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 23, 2017
Fast and engaging read, though since the writing is already very utilitarian, the chapters alternating between his autobiography and the present create a rather ping-pong effect. There isn't much elaboration/detail for someone (like me) who's never heard of him, but the stories that were told were all delightful. Bud & Carrie seem like pretty cool, hardworking people who have incorporated their love of animals in the best way, and I would love to visit the zoo someday.
October 10, 2017
Interesting story, jumped around a lot, but the story overcame that.
January 27, 2014
It's a Wild Life - How My Life Became a Zoo
Bud DeYoung with Cindy Martinusen Coloma
June, 2014/ Medallion Press
I first "met" Bud and Carrie thru Nat Geo's "Wild" last year and loved every minute. When I picked up "It's a Wild Life" to read and review, I knew it would be fantastic - and I wasn't disappointed!!!
Well written, and told from Bud's perspective, "It's a Wild Life" is a great read, funny in places, sad in others and a fantastic learning experience all on its own!
Bud DeYoung's love of animals of all kinds has led him on a journey through life which ultimately developed into the DeYoung family zoo in the Upper Peninsula and Carrie's Rescue Ranch.
From rescued animals to wild adoptees, life is always an adventure for Bud and Carrie!! Baby animals spend their first months in the family house and often get into all kinds of mischief. The parrot taunting the young cougar with adult cougar growls had me rolling with laughter!! The animal adventures Bud tells are quite enjoyable and will undoubtedly endear the various creatures in many readers hearts.
I couldn't put DeYoung's book down and was even a bit sad when I turned the last page. I will definitely be telling all my friends to read "It's a Wild Life - How My Life Became a Zoo."
I received this book for free to review. I am a member of NetGalley, Goodreads, Librarything and maintain a book blog at dbettenson.wordpress.com.
Bud DeYoung with Cindy Martinusen Coloma
June, 2014/ Medallion Press
I first "met" Bud and Carrie thru Nat Geo's "Wild" last year and loved every minute. When I picked up "It's a Wild Life" to read and review, I knew it would be fantastic - and I wasn't disappointed!!!
Well written, and told from Bud's perspective, "It's a Wild Life" is a great read, funny in places, sad in others and a fantastic learning experience all on its own!
Bud DeYoung's love of animals of all kinds has led him on a journey through life which ultimately developed into the DeYoung family zoo in the Upper Peninsula and Carrie's Rescue Ranch.
From rescued animals to wild adoptees, life is always an adventure for Bud and Carrie!! Baby animals spend their first months in the family house and often get into all kinds of mischief. The parrot taunting the young cougar with adult cougar growls had me rolling with laughter!! The animal adventures Bud tells are quite enjoyable and will undoubtedly endear the various creatures in many readers hearts.
I couldn't put DeYoung's book down and was even a bit sad when I turned the last page. I will definitely be telling all my friends to read "It's a Wild Life - How My Life Became a Zoo."
I received this book for free to review. I am a member of NetGalley, Goodreads, Librarything and maintain a book blog at dbettenson.wordpress.com.
May 18, 2014
1.) I'm a Yooper 2.) I've been to this zoo many times. Reading this book gave me a better and more appreciative understanding of the zoo and the people that make it what it is today. Although it may have been a bit repetitive at times and as another reviewer put "disjointed" I found it truly fascinating which made it a quick and interesting read. Our family has been personally touched by the kindness of Bud and Carrie and infant Louie so I can say first hand that these people are truly amazing :)
March 7, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the LibraryThing early reviewer program in exchange for an unbiased review. It is one man's life story of his love for animals, how he always wanted his own zoo, and how he made that dream a reality in his life. I enjoyed the story overall. It was a bit disjointed in places, but interesting nonetheless.
April 25, 2014
Its a beautiful book, as beautiful as its cover. Gives a lot of information about animals. Some of the incidents are heart-touching. Any animal lover will like this book. However, i found first half of book little weakes as compared with second half.
Bud and Carrie, you are doing great job, keep it up. :-)
*i received this book from librarything early reviewer program.
Bud and Carrie, you are doing great job, keep it up. :-)
*i received this book from librarything early reviewer program.
July 9, 2024
Won through LibraryThing's early reviewers. This is a great book that tells the story of two people who have dedicated their lives to animals. It tells the reality of the ups and downs of the lifestyle they have chosen and why they have decided to take on this immense task. Truly heartwarming and inspiring, this is an excellent book.
September 3, 2016
This book is not a well-written masterpiece - but it is an easy, enjoyable read. It was nice to get the background story and some insight on the people that run the amazing zoo that is so close to where I'm from. Definitely a book for people that have visited the DeYoung Family Zoo or for people that just love animals of all kinds.
August 4, 2014
I've been to this zoo many times, and had the pleasure of interviewing Bud and Carrie while working on features for a local paper, so I was familiar with them, the zoo and their passion for seeing it succeed and grow, and their love of animals...but it was great to read about the zoo's origins, and some stories about their experiences over the years...
July 29, 2014
A quick read about a truly amazing and giving couple, who are in love with animals, and have their own zoo and rescue ranch. They have devoted themselves to sharing their love of animals with their visitors, and sound extraordinarily kind and giving to their guests, especially children, and the ill and the elderly. I would love to visit their zoo, and meet them.
September 13, 2016
What happens when an ordinary man doesn't give up his childhood dreams and builds his own zoo not far from Green Bay? A story about men and animals, sometimes funny sometimes sad but always deeply human. Maybe not the best edited, randomly jumping in time.
June 8, 2014
3.5 Stars
An interesting read about how one man has dedicated his life to rescuing animals and rung a zoo in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
An interesting read about how one man has dedicated his life to rescuing animals and rung a zoo in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
June 29, 2014
Read Cindi's review here
http://readforyourfuture.blogspot.com...
http://readforyourfuture.blogspot.com...
July 27, 2016
picked up this book after visiting zoo in Wallace, Michigan. Light and educational reading. Anxious to visit zoo again soon.
December 21, 2025
I grew up going to this zoo. I have watched it grow and change over the years. I throughly enjoyed reading Bud's story.
January 29, 2015
Cool story, but definitely not professionally written.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews