Saving Lives and Changing Hearts: Animal Sanctuaries and Rescue Centres

Gr 4–8—Laidlaw, a Canadian biologist and animal-rights activist, profiles a variety of sanctuaries throughout the world and the people who work to safeguard the wildlife. Examples include the elephants of a Canadian zoo that were suffering from lack of space and hostile weather conditions and were relocated to a more appropriate environment in California. Tortoises subjected to cruel conditions are now living happily in a sanctuary. In India, a large variety of birds has been rehabilitated, and, when appropriate, returned to the wild. Tigers, pigs, chimps, bears, lions, and camels have all suffered at the hands of cruel and careless custodians but with luck may find themselves in sanctuaries overseen by selfless guardians. The author offers the interesting stories behind the founding of many of these sanctuaries and presents uplifting conclusions to the many heart-wrenching stories of rescued animals. A section showing the difference between true sanctuaries and those neither meeting the needs of animals in their care nor preparing them for rehabilitation into the wild is useful for teaching children to think critically about what they see. The full-color photographs of wild animals being appropriately cared for lend interest to the stories. Laidlaw's commitment to his cause is apparent and presents a fine role model for young readers.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY