The Ark's Anniversary

by Gerald Durrell

A prolific author who never fails to be entertaining, Durrell brings us up to date on his Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust. Ever since he was six years old, Durrell knew he wanted to have his own zoo. How he accomplished that--and became a respected naturalist in the process--will delight readers. Demonstrating a talent for presenting strong conservation issues in a humorous and captivating way, Durrell covers not only the development of his private zoo but the associated education activities as well (including a school for conservationists from foreign countries). Dedicated to the idea that zoos need not be a "sterile Victorian menagerie", he has earned the respect of colleagues worldwide in showing how zoos can be a vital force in the conservation and reintroduction of threatened species to their native environments. Readers will also enjoy such amusing incidents as a visit from Princess Anne and the chimps that came to dinner. A title to put on your reading list for a lighthearted romp through the animal kingdom.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Nature, Memoir, Humor, Wildlife, Science

179 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1991

About the author

Gerald "Gerry" Malcolm Durrell was born in India in 1925. His elder siblings are Lawrence Durrell, Leslie Durrell, and Margaret Durrell. His family settled on Corfu when Gerald was a boy and he spent his time studying its wildlife. He relates these experiences in the trilogy beginning with My Family And Other Animals, and continuing with Birds, Beasts, And Relatives and The Garden Of The Gods. In his books he writes with wry humour and great perception about both the humans and the animals he meets.

On leaving Corfu he returned to England to work on the staff of Whipsnade Park as a student keeper. His adventures there are told with characteristic energy in Beasts In My Belfry. A few years later, Gerald began organising his own animal-collecting expeditions. The first, to the Cameroons, was followed by expeditions to Paraguay, Argentina and Sierra Leone. He recounts these experiences in a number of books, including The Drunken Forest. Gerald also visited many countries while shooting various television series, including An Amateur Naturalist. In 1958 Gerald Durrell realised a lifelong dream when he set up the Jersey Zoological Park, followed a few years later by the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust.

Gerald was married twice; Jacquie Durrell (1951-1979), Lee Durrell (1979-1995).

Gerald Durrell's style is exuberant, passionate and acutely observed. He died in 1995.

Reviews

[Inita · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 zvaigznes. Lai arī autors brīžiem atkārtojās, ar interesi izlasīju viņa stāstu par fondu un dažādajiem projektiem dabas aizsardzībai. Ļoti patika stāsts par ti, kā viņš iepazinies ar sievu un tās daļas par dzīvnieku pavairošanu nebrīvē un atlaišanu savvaļā.

[Luis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lectura infaltable para cualquier amante de los animales y la naturaleza, especialmente para aquellos que creen que los zoológicos no tienen razón de ser ni aportan a la conservación.

[Rishi Prakash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Gerald Durrell and I can definitely see me reading all his books sooner than later! An amazing guy to say the least, he will be always remembered for his immense contributions to preserve the rich diversity of animal life on our planet. The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust continues to take his work forward in all sincerity. The phrase " If you have zest and enthusiasm you attract zest and enthusiasm " is apt to summarise what he did during his life time.

The statement by Dr. Iliff (Ex-President of the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria)- " If you ask People which is the best zoo in the world some say San Diego, some say Bronx. But if you ask zoo people themselves, people professionally involved with zoos, inducting zoo directors, they say the Jersey Zoo"- clearly signifies the contribution of THE Gerald Durrell. He changed the way how people look at zoos by his sheer passion and dedication which lasted all his life time.

This book was written to celebrate 25th anniversary of the great Zoo with few anecdotes along with the final celebration which was organised to mark the landmark year. Real good book and a must read for all animal lovers.

[Austra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Šo grāmatu nevar nosaukt par Darela labāko gabalu, jo var just (vietām - pat pārāk), ka tā ir rakstīta "pēc pasūtījuma". Tomēr brīžiem Darels atslābst un aizklīst atmiņu līkločos, grāmatas stāstījumam kļūstot dabiskākam, un šie stāsti tad arī atsver brīžiem pastīvo Džērsijas Brīvās dabas aizsardzības tresta vēstures izklāstu. Pāri visam, protams, neiztrūkstošā Darela humora izjūta, bez kuras neiztikt ne tresta darbos, ne grāmatās.

[Sneh]

the incident where two chimpanzees came calling for tea left me in fits... I think I am more likely to finish this first...while I am still turning the leaf in Half of a yellow sun...it caputres history but the characters are taking to too long to evolve...its an experience like being fond of sula but having to drink say...umm... grovers.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I had a million dollars I would give them to Durrell's Wildlife Conservation Trust. As he stated in the book (and I paraphrase)there is always money to fund a bomb, gun or other instrument of destruction, but little of saving our world.

[RiedlerReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Durrell uses the 25th anniversary of his Jersey Wildlife Trust on the Isle of Jersey (essentially, Durrell’s zoo that focuses on conservationism) to highlight his life’s mission and the achievements of his “Ark.” This book is really informational. In fact, it has a much more informational bent than Durrell’s other memoirs. Although it starts in his typical fashion with witty one-liners and hilariously improbable real-life experiences, the majority of his book follows the more serious message of spreading the message of conservationism. He details the many species that have become extinct and are in danger of becoming extinct. He explains the petty, ridiculous, and occasionally horrible human errors that have led to these losses.
I completely respect and support Durrell’s message. I am amazed and in awe at what Durrell and the many organizations/people he is affiliated with have been able to accomplish – truly, it is remarkable! If you are looking to learn more about conservation efforts and the value of sanctuaries/worldwide cooperation in saving the world’s flora and fauna, definitely read this! If you are looking for an uplifting and entertaining collection of laugh-out-loud animal experiences, I would suggest you pick up one of Durrell’s many other books. Although I came away from reading this feeling rather educated, it didn’t pack the humorous punch for which I was hoping.

[Susann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as his other books in terms of its entertainment and hilarity factors, but an important one nonetheless. Durrell clearly lays out the aims of his zoo and Trust and the progress towards those goals that have been achieved. He also gives the history of the acquisition of the zoo properties as well as its development through time and some of the key personnel who have contributed to its success. The man is a treasure, though now sadly deceased, but without his vision, tireless efforts and sheer hard graft, the world of conservation would not be where it is today. Some of the stories of humankind's stupidity and pigheadedness are tragic and the book is sad in many ways. The problems of species extinction are enormous in the face of the tiny, by comparison, efforts being made to mitigate them. Those who work at this tirelessly are true heroes!!!

[Trounin · Rating 3 out of 5]

С момента создания Джерсийского зоопарка минуло тридцать лет. И недолог тот момент, когда сам Даррелл навсегда закроет глаза. Он о многом успел рассказать, но желает ещё раз поведать о том же, дополнив повествование описанием проблем и событий, ранее с такой подробностью не описанных. Вновь повествование начинается с детских лет, когда Джеральд задумал изменить понимание предназначения зоопарков. Он помогал наполнять зоологические сады, пока сам не создал собственный, стараясь сделать его образцовым. И всем известно, насколько хорошо у него это получилось.

(c) Trounin

[Ambica Gulati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born in India, Durrell’s life is an inspiration for many conservationists who are not officially trained in the profession. As he was home schooled, he learned it all on the way, working his way through zoos and internships. And through books, he earned his living, and used the funds for his expeditions and zoo. A tongue-in-cheek book, we travel with Durrell into the difficult world of saving species from extinction. We learn about orangutans and their behaviours, pink pigeons, pigmy hogs and how animal behaviour changes in captivity; releasing them into the wild requires expertise and care.

[Eule Luftschloss · Rating 3 out of 5]

trigger warning
slur towards Roma, use of the slur "retarded", mention of rape, mention of suicide

Was not as interesting as this was a big topic in the biography I recently read, about the building of the Jersey Zoo and later on of the trust.

Very quotable things about politics: "I have a little black book into which I write down the most inane statements made by world leaders so that, when I complain about governments and people think I am exaggerating, I can quote them chapter and verse."

[Marian Fern · Rating 5 out of 5]

The importance of relocating the ark

This is a more serious book than the usual Durrel tales. Educating the reader on the importance of breeding and releasing endangered animals back into a suitable habitat. However there are still a few giggles along the way

[Yegor Voronin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of the later Durrell's books and I was not expecting much, but it was actually quite delightful as it gave a general overview of his life and provided many rather amusing anecdotes. He has much better books, but this one is worth a read too.

[Зорница Атанасова · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books has some of the deepest and at the same time some of the most humorous lines written by Gerald Durrell. It is one of his stronger works and is a must-read if you have enjoyed any of his previous books.

[L-ssar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesante como cualquiera de sus libros e imprescindible para conocer la historia de la conservación y el papel de los zoos modernos en ella.

[Stinne Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabelagtig gennemgang af de genvordigheder der er i forbindelse med Trustens jubilæum. Vittig, interessant og meget lærerig

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Jersey Zoo. That is one of the collection of humorous stories in this book. Darrell is both educational and entertaining.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Gerald Durrell’s “Ark” – the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust on the Isle of Jersey in the English Channel. This is no ordinary zoo, but an extraordinary and visionary educational and conservation organization. Here, endangered animals are bred in captivity with an eye to their eventual return to the wild to form breeding colonies that will keep the species from extinction. Here, people from all over the world are trained in conservation and captive breeding, enabled to return to their own countries as guardians of the living world there. What a story – what a place – what a man! The world is infinitely richer because Gerald Durrell lived.

[Kaustubh Dudhane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Initially, I thought what a savage zoo keeper Gerald Durrell is! Keeping animals in captivity and all that bullshit. However, Durrell has bred soon-to-be extinct animals into captivity. Eventually he had released them and their offsprings into wild after proper training of adapting to the wild environment. The book is full of humorous anecdotes. Moreover, it is also saga of continuous fight with the bureaucracy. A funny ride into the magical world of orangutans, tapirs, gorillas, pink pigeons, and many wild creatures.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book Durrell writes about how he set up his so and the trials in managing to make it a conservatory.

As such it is dull in places, the only parts of interest is the birth of a gorilla and a dinner party where Grace Kelly is a guest. Other than that it's just tons of detail. It's ok if you are a collector but don't get this if you're new to Durrell.

[Jennybeast · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is more about conservation, and the adventures of actually running a zoo. Unfortunately, it reads more liek a neverending sales pitch than any of Durrell's other memoirs, but it's still a lot of interesting information, with his trademark storyteller's voice -- and it's still an extraordinary story, when you think about what the Jersey Trust has accomplished.

[Jenny Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slightly less entertaining but no less riveting than the other books. Looks back at the first 25 years of the zoo and explains its ethos as well as administrative issues such as fundraising, training, political involvement and much more.

[David Cozens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Episodic account of the formation and 25 years of development of Jersey Zoo.