Publisher Description

An informative book for middle-grade readers about sanctuaries across North America that rescue wild animals and provide them with safe places to live.Years ago, most major cities in North America had zoos full of exotic or wild animals in tiny cages. It was also not uncommon for wild animals to be kept as pets or trained to perform in circuses. Today, we have a different way of looking at animals and deciding if and how they should be kept in captivity. There are still zoos and aquariums, of course, but the best ones are more concerned with protecting animals than putting them on display. There is also a different sort of organization-the animal sanctuary-which provides comfortable homes for animals that have been housed in unaccredited zoos or caught up in the illegal exotic-animal trade. Sanctuaries are never a substitute for the wild, but they are the next best thing.A Home Away from Home tells the true stories of animals that live in sanctuaries across North America, from the tragic tale of Moby Doll, the first orca held in captivity in Vancouver, to the inspiring story of Thika, Toka, and Iringa, three elephants who travelled from a tiny zoo enclosure to a sprawling acreage in Sacramento, California. Often entertaining and sometimes sad, this book is an eye-opening read for children who care about the welfare of animals and want to know more about the organizations that help them.

Author Biography

Nicholas Read is a retired journalist who worked at the Vancouver Sun for most of his career, and a journalism instructor who taught at Langara College for ten years. He is the author (with photographer Ian McAllister) of several bestselling childrens books, including Wolf Island, The Seal Garden, A Whales World, The Great Bear Sea, and The Salmon Bears.

Long Description

An informative book for middle-grade readers about sanctuaries across North America that rescue wild animals and provide them with safe places to live. Years ago, most major cities in North America had zoos full of exotic or wild animals in tiny cages. It was also not uncommon for wild animals to be kept as pets or trained to perform in circuses. Today, we have a different way of looking at animals and deciding if and how they should be kept in captivity. There are still zoos and aquariums, of course, but the best ones are more concerned with protecting animals than putting them on display. There is also a different sort of organization--the animal sanctuary--which provides comfortable homes for animals that have been housed in unaccredited zoos or caught up in the illegal exotic-animal trade. Sanctuaries are never a substitute for the wild, but they are the next best thing. A Home Away from Home tells the true stories of animals that live in sanctuaries across North America, from the tragic tale of Moby Doll, the first orca held in captivity in Vancouver, to the inspiring story of Thika, Toka, and Iringa, three elephants who travelled from a tiny zoo enclosure to a sprawling acreage in Sacramento, California. Often entertaining and sometimes sad, this book is an eye-opening read for children who care about the welfare of animals and want to know more about the organizations that help them.

Promotional "Headline"

A fascinating book for young animal-rights activists, highlighting the important work of animal sanctuaries across North America.

Description for Sales People

Key Selling Points This book profiles a wide range of the best, most ethically run animal sanctuaries from across North America, which specialize in rescuing wild and exotic animals that were previously mistreated or trapped in unaccredited zoos or circuses. Explores themes of animal welfare, wildlife conservation and protection, ethical issues around animals in captivity, the history of zoos and aquariums, the illegal animal trade and the role of animal sanctuaries. The book features sanctuaries and organizations from across the US, including the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Nicholas Read has written multiple books about animals. He is a fierce protector of animal welfare and is passionate about the work that these sanctuaries do. This book will inspire children to care about wildlife and animals in captivity. It strives to encourage them to become involved, to be animal-welfare activists and to volunteer or visit sanctuaries if possible. The book contains information about each sanctuary, including which ones are open to the public and which have education programs and volunteer opportunities.

Details