In honor of Earth Day 2018 (this past Sunday, 4/22), I highly recommend sitting down with Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine. The book chronicles a worldwide journey to document certain endangered species that the authors take on behalf of the BBC. While the book is not exactly new (published in 1992), it is more relevant than ever; the dire situation for much of the earth’s wildlife has not improved since its publication.
A story about endangered animals is almost necessarily about the way we have mistreated the planet. While the writers do give attention to this abuse, the book is remarkably non-judgmental. The tone of the book is inspiring rather than depressing, and by its close you may be surprised to find that you have a newfound passion for the well-being of the natural world. Filled with Adams’ trademark humor and wit, Last Chance to See is a beautiful and enjoyable tribute to some of Earth’s most precious wildlife.
“Join [the authors] as they encounter the animal kingdom in its stunning beauty, astonishing variety, and imminent peril: the giant Komodo dragon of Indonesia, the helpless but loveable Kakapo of New Zealand, the blind river dolphins of China, the white rhinos of Zaire, the rare birds of Mauritius island in the Indian Ocean. Hilarious and poignant—as only Douglas Adams can be—Last Chance to See is an entertaining and arresting odyssey through the Earth’s magnificent wildlife galaxy.” –From Amazon.com
“There is one last reason for caring, and I believe that no other is necessary. It is certainly the reason why so many people have devoted their lives to protecting the likes of rhinos, parakeets, kakapos, and dolphins. And it is simply this: the world would be a poorer, darker, lonelier place without them.” –Mark Carwardine
Thanks for reading!
-George, FTPL
