Gorilla Doctors: Saving Endangered Great Apes

Scientists in the Field

by Pamela S. Turner

Mountain gorillas are playful, curious, beautiful, and fiercely protective of their families. They are also one of the most endangered species in the world. For many years, mountain gorillas have faced the threat of t death at the hands of poachers. Funds raised by “gorilla tourism”––bringing people into the forest to see these majestic animals––have helped protect gorillas. This tourism is vital, but close contact between gorillas and people has brought a new threat to the mountain gorillas: human disease.

The Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project is a group of courageous and talented scientists working to save the mountain gorilla population in Rwanda and Uganda. The "Gorilla Doctors" study the effects of human exposure, document the daily lives of the gorillas, provide emergency care to injured animals, and even act as foster parents to an orphaned gorilla baby named Fearless. Through engaging text and stunning photographs, Pamela Turner takes readers on an exploration like no other in this gripping tale of science, nature, and conservation.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Science, Africa, Picture Books, Adventure, Geography

63 pages, Hardcover

First published May 27, 2005

About the author

Pamela S. Turner has an abiding fascination with science, animals, evolution, and a special interest in Japanese history. She is the author of award-winning books for young readers, including HOW TO BUILD A HUMAN: IN SEVEN EVOLUTIONARY STEPS, an ALA Notable Book, SAMURAI RISING, a YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award finalist, as well as CROW SMARTS and THE FROG SCIENTIST, both winners of the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books. Her newest book, COMET CHASER, is the true Cinderella story of Caroline Herschel, the first professional woman astronomer.

When not writing, she practices kendo (Japanese sword fighting) and volunteers as a wildlife rehabilitator specializing in crows and ravens.

Visit her website and sign up for her newsletter at www.pamelasturner.com, follow her on Instagram at @pamela.s.turner, Twitter @psturnerbooks, and Facebook /psturnerbooks/.

Reviews

[Abby Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, you knew that humans and apes were genetically close. But did you know that humans and chimps are so close that you could get a blood transfusion from a chimp? Or that apes can catch human diseases? It's true. And that's one factor in the disappearing gorilla population (other factors are poachers and loss of habitat). This book is about a team of scientists that works to prevent gorillas from catching human diseases and to treat them when they become sick. It's interesting and informative, giving a little bit of history behind the study and conservation of gorillas and how that's led to where we are now. If you're an animal lover, pick up this book! A great entry in the Scientists in the Field series.

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was the 100th rating….. so cool! I can’t believe this book isn’t more widespread, but maybe there’s just not that much interest in gorillas? I have to admit though that I stumbled across the book by chance, so there’s that. Gorillas have been my favorite animal for as long as I can remember and it was great to learn about threats to their existence so I can be more educated on the issues and learn more about what is being done to protect gorillas. One threat is human diseases. I had absolutely no idea that humans could spread diseases to gorillas that would lead to their deaths and I am so grateful to all of the veterinarians, park guides, and others who donate money and use their time and resources to protect and heal gorillas. They deserve to be here too. I love this book! So much.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book about helping gorillas from dying out. The challenges are to keep them healthy, protect them from poachers as much as possible, and to prevent them from catching human diseases which are usually deadly to gorillas. Gorgeous photography and very interesting information.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorilla Doctors takes the reader on a journey into the forest with beautiful color photographs of the mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. The story begins with the Mountain Gorilla Veterinarian Project (MGVP) field veterinarians as they rescue and treat a gorilla named Mararo who has been caught in a poacher’s snare. The reader is able to read in detail the treatment given, tests administered, and the gorilla’s release back to her gorilla family. Detailed photographs of Mararo’s treatment in the forest offer the reader an insider glimpse into the work of the MGVP field veterinarians.

The book offers a brief background history on the mountain gorillas, including when they were discovered, influential gorilla scientists, and threats they have faced since being introduced to human populations. The book focuses on the threat of human disease and offers many easily understandable examples of how and why diseases are transmitted and what can and is being done about it. At times the information in the book seems a bit repetitive; however, this may make the information more easily understandable and recallable to young readers. Turner includes facts that are sure to spark interest for young readers, such as that human’s share 97.7% of their genes with the mountain gorilla and 98.4% with chimpanzees and bonobos.

Gorilla Doctors is sure to captivate young readers, the stunning up-close photographs of the mountain gorillas and the MGVP field veterinarian’s treating them is what really shines in this book. The information is informative and relayed in a way that young readers can relate to and more easily understand. I really liked that the end of the book offered a postscript which followed up on the orphaned gorilla Fearless, and shared exciting news of the healthy 6-month old twin gorillas (twins are rare and typically do not live very long after birth). Pamela S. Turner offered a substantial amount of educational material written in an easy to understand format, paired with the eye-catching photography this book is sure to appeal to young readers.

[Hillary Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

I selected this book, Gorilla Doctors: Saving Endangered Great Apes by Pamela S. Turner, as my Scientist in the Field selection. This particular book was published by Houghton Mifflin and was recommended by Professor Kimmel. Prior to reading this book I was uneducated on the informational facts about gorillas. Instead I had various false prejudice opinions about the animal. I was so happy I selected this book! I learned so much about the Mountain Gorilla and their way of life.

Take a step into understanding the world of the Mountain Gorilla with veterinarians, Dr. Mike Cranfield and Dr. Felicia Nutter of the Mountain Gorilla Veterinarian Project (MGVP). Through writing and photography the reader is taken on a heart wrenching adventure of a gorilla named Mararo who gets caught in a man-made antelope trap, and ends up getting out of the trap but not completely free, she still had the rope tied tightly around her ankle. Compassion comes of the page as the author shares how Dr. Felicia Nutter uses a tranquillizer dart gun to send her into a deep sleep so the team can remove the nylon rope around her ankle.

The book is well-organized with several pictures to captivate the reader and intrigue them to read more about the struggles of the Mountain Gorilla. This book is very educational and informative on the increasing causes of the gorilla’s death rates. As you view each picture you can help but envision the beauty of the natural wildlife. I would highly recommend this book!

[J L's Bibliomania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorilla Doctors: Saving Endangered Great Apes is yet another competent book from the Scientists in the Field series. The best part are the wonderful pictures of the Gorillas, the scientists studying them and the field veterinarians protecting them from human diseases. The text is a bit dry and while it uses proper technical terms tends to over-explain them. It is difficult to tell whether the target audience is middle-school students, or a bit younger.

While about the Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda and Uganda not the Bonobos of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, The Gorilla Doctors would potentially work in a non-fiction/fiction pairing with Endangered by Eliot Schrefer, since Bonobo Handshake: A Memoir of Love and Adventure in the Congo is a bit too mature for the middle grade and younger high school readers that are Endangered's target audience.

[Mary Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:
Gorilla Doctors by Pamela S. Turner takes the reader on a journey through the forest in which you actually feel as if you are there hanging out with the gorillas. The beautiful photos and information about gorillas in their natural state educate the readers on the human's closest of kin. Specifically, the reader gets to go on a trip with Mararo, a gorilla who was caught by a poacher and the treatment, testing, and release of Mararo.
Evaluation:
This is an informative book that won the Boston-Globe Horn Book Award. I gave it a 4/5 because it is a great book for people who are interested in learning more about veterinary sciences, specifically doctoring gorillas. It also raises awareness for the ever present misfortune of poaching.
Teaching Point:
I would use this book to teach about scientists, gorillas, and veterinary professions. This would be a good book to read and teach from during a zoology lesson or a science elaboration segment for a 5E lesson plan. It would build interest of students to get involved in the STEM field which is very important especially if your school is a STEM school. 

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mountain gorillas are playful, curious, beautiful, and fiercely protective of their families. They are also one of the most endangered species in the world. For many years, mountain gorillas have faced the threat of t death at the hands of poachers. Funds raised by “gorilla tourism”––bringing people into the forest to see these majestic animals––have helped protect gorillas. This tourism is vital, but close contact between gorillas and people has brought a new threat to the mountain gorillas: human disease.

The Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project is a group of courageous and talented scientists working to save the mountain gorilla population in Rwanda and Uganda. The "Gorilla Doctors" study the effects of human exposure, document the daily lives of the gorillas, provide emergency care to injured animals, and even act as foster parents to an orphaned gorilla baby named Fearless. Through engaging text and stunning photographs, Pamela Turner takes readers on an exploration like no other in this gripping tale of science, nature, and conservation.

[Makayla Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: This book tells of the conservation efforts conducted in Uganda and Rwanda to protect the lives of gorillas, specifically the Mountain Gorilla. The book provides readers with the purpose behind The Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, which is a group of scientists who are working to preserve the species being poached and infected with human diseases in Africa.
Review: I gave this book five stars. Gorillas have always been interesting to me, and this book provides so many facts about the species, as well as the importance of protecting them. I loved the excellent photographs and nonfiction text features.
Classroom Ideas: This book could be used to enhance a lesson on endangered species. After students understand what endangered species are, this book, and others similar to it, accompanied with student led research, can be used to help students further see how animals are impacted by human actions and how to save endangered species.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turner, Pamela S. Gorilla Doctors: Saving Endangered Great Apes, 64 p. Houghton Mifflin, 2005, 2008.

Copious amounts of full-color pictures accompany detailed information about the rewards and challenges of tending to the mountain gorillas of east-central Africa. Instead of being clinical, the book is peppered with first person stories of the gorillas and their doctors which are entertaining and educational to read. Any teacher who covers endangered species will be delighted to know about this book.

EL, MS, HS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2008/...

[Olivia S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALTHOUGH THIS BOOK MAY SEEM ODD OR BORING, NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER. THIS IS A FACINATING STORY OF SEVERAL GORILLAS THROUGH THE COURSE OF THEIR LIVES. IT IS ECPECIALLY HARD FOR MOUNTAIN GORILLAS, BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN HUNTED FOR . ALONG TIME. I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE WHO LIKES A GOOD BOOK.

[Gayle OL · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book for children but I also learned things.

[BLAKE SHIRLEY]

It was a very good book. It taught me a lot about how to take care of gorillas and how to make them healthy.

[Devon · Rating 5 out of 5]

LIBS 642 Junior Book Log
Literature Circle #5 Book
Source: Professor Kimmel

Gorilla Doctors is the true story of the journey of the conservation efforts being conducted in Rwanda and Uganda to protect the endangered Mountain Gorilla. The Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project is a group of scientists working to save the Mountain Gorilla, an animal native to Africa and one that is of the most endangered in the world. The Mountain Gorillas have faced the threat of poachers for many years but have recently been better protected from these savages, through funds raised through “gorilla tourism”. The efforts to support and save the gorilla species has known been discovered as a new major threat however, with human disease from the close encounters with humans during tours. Because of this knew threat, as well as the ones still existent with poachers, the “Gorilla Doctors” have been implementing more constant efforts to help protect this beautiful species. These efforts can been seen through their study of the effects of human exposure, documentation of the daily lives of the gorillas, emergency care for injured or ill gorillas and foster care to orphaned animals. Pamela Turner takes the reader through the heart warming journey of Gorillas and Gorilla Doctors in East Africa with this informative book, examining the science, research and relationships behind it all.

The photographs and captions were done particularly well in this book, as they tied directly in with the readings. The constant implementation of scientific background information was also very helpful when reading this book. The real-world information about the threats facing this species and the efforts being made to protect them is what initially draws you in, but what really helped me stay connected and engaged was the heartwarming story about particular Gorillas and their life’s journey.

I would recommend this book for students in upper elementary school or middle school, especially as part of a research project on endangered animals. I also believe that this book could be used effectively as an interactive read aloud for an entire group of elementary school students as it allows for predictions, probing questions and a vast amount of critical thinking and discussion.

[Ed]

Turner, P. (2008). Gorilla doctors: Saving endangered great apes. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. 80 pp. ISBN: 978-0-547-14333-3. (Hardcover); $8.99.

If our pet dog is sick, we take him to the vet. Have we spent enough time considering just how our veterinary medical practices evolved? Have we spent any time wondering whether wild animals ever get sick? What happens when that wild animal is a threatened or endangered species? Assuming that we believe that saving endangered animals is a worthwhile endeavor, how would we even know whether or not an animal like a gorilla even needs a doctor? Turner’s excellent book explores just these sorts of questions germane to the care and protection of mountain lowland gorillas. As we expect from books by Turner, readers are given an objective description of the issues involved with caring for gorillas and their habitats, including the examination of whether scientists solve or create problems! This book is a welcome addition to middle school and elementary libraries, without embarrassing high school readers who appreciate a well-written exploration of lowland mountain gorillas that also happens to have excellent photography.

For those readers wishing to explore the Curriculum Guide link, here it is: (send me an email, info@spicyreads.org, put “Gorilla Doctors” in the subject and I will send the live link to you): http://www.scribd.com/doc/145727464/G...

[Rebecca Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

1.) Genre-Non fiction (Informational)

2.) Summary- This book focuses on the habitat, biology, and dangers facing Mountain Gorillas in Africa.

3.) Area of focus- Content

3.)b.) The actual content of this book is varied, using both narrative text and photographs/illustrations. Readers will thoroughly enjoy the action-packed story in some sections followed by realistic pictures and interesting facts.

3.)c.) This book contains a lot of information. Readers get a true sense of what life is like for Mountain Gorillas from reading and experiencing each page. Turner uses both narrative text to pull readers in as well as detailed photographs. Perhaps the best example of the narrative or almost story-like text is found on page 5: "Mararo is in trouble. A nylon rope is looped tightly around her ankle and tied to a stake in the ground." This kind of language immediately grabs the reader's attention and draws them in for more.

4.) Curriculum Connections- This book does a great job of explaining the environmental impacts that humans have on the natural world. Readers will enjoy the realistic and engaging story presentation. Teachers could use this book to teach students about conservation efforts, Mountain Gorillas, or even central African geography/animal life.

[Rhiannon Hubble · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. Genre: Juvenile Non-Fiction
2. This book focuses on the threat of human diseases found in mountain gorillas and what can and is being done about it.
3. a) Area for comment: Content
b)The content found within this book is sure to interest and engage children of all ages. There are many interesting facts that the author chooses to include in the book that will spark and hold the attention of children.
c)"Gorillas get runny noses, too! Scientists believe many diseases, including the common cold, can pass between humans and gorillas" (page 26)
"Biologically, we are very close to great apes--so close that we share 98.4% of our genes with chimpanzees and bonobos (sometimes called pygmy chimpanzees) and 97.7% of our genes with gorillas." (page 24)
4. This book would be great to use when studying biology or the habits of various types of animals. This book would also be a good precursor to a study of genes and possibly medicine. Again, because this is a non-fiction book, it would be appropriate to use to introduce or continue a lesson on nonfiction books the purpose and the content.

[Mary Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Citation: Gorilla Doctors: Saving Endangered Great Apes, by Pamela S. Turner. (Houghton Mifflin, 2005). 64p. Informational.
Genre: Junior Book – Informational
Summary: The book's focus was on mountain gorillas living in Rwanda, Africa. There were two scientists featured in the book Dr. Mike Cranfield and Dr. Felicia Nutter. The book explains the different types of gorillas found in Africa, their characteristics, and their habitat.
A. I thought the book was extremely engaging and factual. I learned a lot about gorillas I had not previously known.
B. The photographs in this book are part of the reason I chose it. They are absolutely wonderful and are taken in the gorilla’s natural habitat. Pamela Turner did a great job narrating the story of the gorillas and the various trials and tribulations they go through.
C. For example, on one of the first pages you can see two gorillas one with his finger in his mouth in great detail. They are truly beautiful creatures.
Curriculum Connection: I think this book would be wonderful for an independent reading book or to supplement a science unit.

[Ashley Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. Junior Book: Informational
2. This is a great informational book that recounts the story of veterinarians that traveled to treat injured gorillas, which are very endangered. This book describes gorillas, and the danger they are in everyday from poachers and tourists.
3. Critique:
a. The most important element of this book is the usage of pictures, graphs, and maps.
b. The pictures of the gorillas and the veterinarians who helped save them from diseases, injuries, and malnutrition are very heart-warming, and provide a visual representation for the reader to connect with the information, and realize it is a real problem affecting the world.
c. There is one picture in particular that strikes a chord in the reader’s conscience, and that is of a dead gorilla who suffered from a human disease, brought on by gorilla tourism, and humans getting too close. This is a real problem for these animals that are on the verge of extinction.
4. This book would be great to use while incorporating a science lesson on endangered species, and the importance of saving animals in danger of becoming extinct.

[Samantha Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

1. Genre: Junior Book: Non-Fiction
2. This book is about the species of Gorilla and the affects that human interaction has on them. It covers their environment, the near exact human/gorilla genetic similarities and more.
3. (A) Area for comment: Content
(B) The content in this book was awesome. The statistic and percentages of similarity between humans and gorillas is very interesting. There is a lot of content in this book, but it's explained in a way that's interesting and fun for all readers.
(C)One interesting fact that I liked from the book was this: "Biologically, we are very close to great apes--so close that we share 98.4% of our genes with chimpanzees and bonobos (sometimes called pygmy chimpanzees) and 97.7% of our genes with gorillas." (page 24)
4. This book can be used in any science lesson. This has great pictures and fun facts for the students. You could ask the students to pick their favorite animal and write a mini book using fun facts like this book did or have them pick an endangered species and develop their own plan to help save them.

[Amanda Zell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book offers great information about the endangered species of gorillas and encompasses several different aspects of this topic.

While I think it would be difficult to use this book as a read-aloud in a children’s classroom, it would definitely be a helpful source to refer to for different types of information. With an index, it is going to be a great source for any sort of research project, especially over those of endangered species. There is a mix of photography, maps and tables/graphs to support the text. This is definitely a description book, but I think it could also serve as a problem-solution book as well. This book definitely lays a problem out on the line and makes on consider a plausible to solution in helping this endangered species.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series. The books are beautiful, with awesome full color pictures. Each book has a great blend of history and science. More resources are included at the back. They're simple enough for children to understand and interesting enough for adults to read. This book is no exception. And, since it's about my most favorite of all animals, gorillas, I was especially entranced by it. I learned a lot about how humans affect other species through reading this book. I can't recommend this series enough, especially to kids who like science. Or maybe even more to those who think they don't.

[librarian4Him02 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book to get a feel for the autor. She was on my library' shot list for our one community, one book program. This was about s group of veterinarians who care for and advocate for endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda.

I recommend this for all animal lovers. It was a quick, interesting, and informative read.

[Andrea Lorenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love love love the Scientists in the Field books. They're informative, but yet still really readable. The pictures are vivid and clear and interesting. They don't look like stock photos at all, which I really appreciate. This would be great for a student who is thinking about becoming a vet or someone who is just interested in animals. Quality nonfiction.

[Samantha Howard]

The author of this non-fiction book tells the stories of Rwandan and Uganda gorillas that are endangered, and the vets adventures as they go to help the animals. This is an informational book because it is non-fiction and also includes concrete information for the reader. This book can be used to discuss endangered animals, what endangered means, and can be used to talk about extinction.

[Ratforcekids · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through fascinating writing and wonderful photographs, Pamela Turner tells an amazing story in Gorilla Doctors . It is the true tale of brave veterinarians who are working to save the endangered mountain gorillas.

[The Reading Countess · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to go wrong with any of the Scientists in the Field books in this fascinating series. Perhaps one of my favorite things, though, is the delight, wonder, and stewardship it stokes in the hearts of our young readers. They are, after all, the sooner-than-later carriers of Earth's torch.

[Tracy Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Scientists in the Field are some of my favorite non fiction books and this is no exception.

Follow gorilla scientists as they work with mountain gorillas in Africa. Their jobs include tracking, caring, disease prevention, education as well as studying these great animals.

[Deb Luethy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good information (and pictures!) on gorillas. I would have enjoyed more detail but as this is intended as a "children's book", it was probably "just right".

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the most entertaining read but nice pictures.