The Aye-Aye and I: Rescue Expedition in Madagascar - Hardcover

Durrell, Gerald

4.03

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9780002238090: The Aye-Aye and I: Rescue Expedition in Madagascar

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0002238098 ISBN 13: 9780002238090

Publisher: HarperCollins, 1992

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This expedition book recounts the search for the exotic island of Madagascar for the aye aye - a rare creature. The Malagasy people have imbued it with strange magical powers - in one tribe the aye aye's slim third finger is dried and used by the village sorcerer as a magic charm against evil. But as the villagers continue with their "slash and burn" agricultural policy, an aye aye's natural habitat is all but being destroyed. The Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust decided to bring an aye aye back to build up a breeding colony. This book tells of this quest.

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From the Back Cover:

'In the gloom it came along the branches towards me – its round, hypnotic eyes blazing; its spoon-like ears turning to and fro like radar dishes; its white whiskers twitching and moving like sensors; the thin, attentuated fingers on its black hands tapping delicately on the branches as it moved along, like those of a pianist playing a complicated piece by Chopin.'

Gerald Durrell's task was to capture some of the legendary Aye-aye, the beast with the magic finger that lurks in the forests of Madagascar, and bring them back to his famous Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust for breeding. Although on a serious scientific expedition, Gerald Durrell describes his adventures with his own inimitable brand of humour. Nothing escapes his sharp eyes and talented pen. Whether he is describing the great 'zoma' market, village dances, dangerous bridges, the cat-like 'Fosa', the Gentle lemurs of Lake Aloatra, strange foods or stranger magic, his writing is always compelling.
This is Durrell at his best, as a serious scientific writer and a humorist who knows no equal in his field.

"I defy anyone not to fall in love with the aye-aye after this."
MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS

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