Bridge to the Wild

June 6, 2016
The husband-and-wife team of O’Connell and Rodwell (A Baby Elephant in the Wild) broaden their focus from elephants to a range of animals via a tour of Zoo Atlanta. Accessible text and intimate photographs spotlight the residents and staffers at the zoo, capturing the creatures’ dispositions and distinctive appearances, as well as the dedication and compassion of the humans who care for them. Over 13 chapters, O’Connell uses a relaxed first-person narrative to explore animals’ methods of communicating with members of their own species (as well as with their keepers), social and family dynamics, behavioral differences between animals living in captivity and their counterparts in the wild, and how captive breeding programs have helped increase the population of endangered species. Sidebars and captions supply ancillary information and some fun trivia: flamingos’ pink hue comes from the beta carotene in the marine crustaceans they eat, and pandas have developed a “ ‘pseudo-thumb’ that helps them quickly shuck a bamboo shoot of its outer coating.” Readers should find the book’s facts and photos intriguing, and the collaborators’ curiosity and passion inspiring. Ages 10–12.

June 15, 2016
Targeting young readers as "the next generation of conservationists," O'Connell shares observations, research, and photographs (taken with Rodwell, her husband) from a week spent with the animals and keepers at Zoo Atlanta.Scientist O'Connell's field work with elephants in Namibia has engendered several popular works, including Sibert honoree, co-authored by Donna M. Jackson, The Elephant Scientist (2011). Here, she unfurls her day-by-day, behind-the-scenes experiences at the zoo. She observes elephants, pandas, and the large populations of gorillas and orangutans, all under the guidance of mammal curator Rebecca Snyder. Other keepers introduce her to their work with reptiles and birds, and she accompanies the zoo's vet on her rounds. In addition to presenting absorbing facts about pandas, Komodo dragons, lion tamarins, and other species, O'Connell acquaints readers with scientific information and methodology. She explains the significance of dominance hierarchies, parenting behaviors, the sensory adaptations of reptiles, and much more, and she introduces types of data sheets used to observe animals. O'Connell presents the modern zoo in a clear light, acknowledging the challenges of replicating favorable conditions for the social, physical, and reproductive health of the exhibited animals. Her final day at Zoo Atlanta occurs on Endangered Species Day, affording an apt backdrop for highlighting the severe threats posed by global habitat degradation and poaching. An important, engaging introduction to a modern zoo, its dedicated staff, and the fascinating animals in its care. (bibliography, sources, index) (Nonfiction. 9-13)

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Starred review from April 1, 2016

Gr 4-7-O'Connell takes readers through five days of behind-the-scenes access to a number of different exhibits while introducing some of the amazing inhabitants of Zoo Atlanta. There is so much more happening at a zoo than just the proper care and feeding of the animal residents, and O'Connell shares a number of the projects and the people behind them. For example, researchers are looking for ways to increase the likelihood of panda reproduction in captivity, which has proven elusive and difficult. O'Connell also makes clear how important the veterinarians are to the zoo and how they keep a constant eye on all of their charges so that no small illness turns into a larger one or spreads to other animals. The author mingles her narration about her visits to the zoo with animal facts and explanations about behavior, which are often denoted with a different typeface and color. The highlight, and really the focus, is on the special access she was given, a chance to learn about the people who work with the animals, and the mission of zoos to protect species and help world populations of animals. Photographs are dotted throughout the book and give a visual immediacy to the text. VERDICT A solid offering to young animal lovers.-Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2016
Grades 5-8 This high-interest nonfiction aims to inspire the next generation of conservationists by helping young readers delve deeper into their zoo experience. With the help of Rebecca Snyder, the curator of mammals at Zoo Atlanta, O'Connell goes behind the scenes at one of the nation's largest zoological parks to see how animals live in captivity even when they are not on display. Pandas, meerkats, hornbills, and orangutans are just a few of the species she observes. Animal behaviors and adaptive responses are detailed through the lens of their life away from their natural habitat. O'Connell describes the day-to-day work of caretakers and veterinarians, exploring how they collect data, offer diagnoses, and apply findings to make long-term decisions about each species. Descriptions of habitat destruction and poaching are a call to arms for conservation efforts, and the book emphasizes the important work that reputable zoos do to advocate for endangered species. O'Connell's love of animals is undeniable, and young readers will identify with the personal details and warm observations she includes.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)