No More Dodos: How Zoos Help Endangered Wildlife

Children's Literature - Gisela Jernigan

This timely, non-fiction book begins by recounting how the dodo birds became extinct and then, in seven interesting, fact-filled chapters, explains how various zoos and conservation programs throughout the world are working to try and prevent a similar fate for endangered creatures like the California condor and Black-footed ferret. This balanced account shows how everything in nature is connected and, although it describes some failures, it ends on a hopeful note as it tells how the people of Mauritius managed to save the almost extinct Calvaria trees, which were dependent on the Dodos. The many factual sidebars, color photos, glossary, index, bibliography and list of major conservation organizations add to the usefulness of this inspiring book.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-7-Since zoos are one of the last hopes for many endangered species, it stands to reason that they would be among the leaders in conservation efforts. This book looks at the way zoos (and connected wildlife groups) are involved with helping to improve these animals' odds for survival. A wide range of topics is covered including the creation of more realistic zoo enclosures, captive breeding programs, exchanges of animals among zoos to enlarge the gene pool, and programs to reintroduce some animals to their native habitats. The authors also examine cooperative-education programs where wildlife groups train native peoples in preservation techniques. The writing is clear and detailed without being too technical. Sidebars provide additional information. There is certainly a pro-zoo slant here, but the Nirgiotises are careful to mention other viewpoints as well. Full-color photos are scattered throughout. While much of the material can be found in other sources, the connection to zoos gives this title a new and fascinating angle that should be of interest to young conservationists.-Arwen Marshall, New York Public Library

Kirkus Reviews

A slim, glossy discussion of endangered species that lacks the scientific precision and adequate documentation to be effective.

After opening with the 16th- and 17th-century obliteration of the dodo population, the authors cover the methods that saved the black-footed ferret from extinction; this century's conversion of zoos to nature parks; captive breeding programs; computerized matching and interbreeding in zoos around the world to maximize gene diversity; the freezing of sperm, eggs, and embryos for later implantation; and educational efforts around the world. The text falls prey to oversimplifications and teleology: "They [scientists] suggest that deadly new epidemics such as AIDS may be nature's reaction to human overpopulation and the resulting upset of the balance of nature." (Was the Black Plague nature's reaction to overpopulation in the Middle Ages?) The statements are not attributed or documented; phrases such as "they suggest" are too vague. Elsewhere, the authors state, "Large mammals are called keystone species," when a more accurate definition (by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent, in Biodiversity, p. 1472) is "a species that plays a crucial role in creating habitat for other living things." A discussion of inbreeding links science and social taboos: "Most human societies prohibit brother-to-sister and cousin-to-cousin marriages. Long ago, people noticed that the youngsters of such pairings were more likely than others to suffer from various physical disorders." With attractive full-color photographs, the book is visually appealing, but many worthy facts founder in faulty contexts.