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

Durrell, Gerald

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0006473261 ISBN 13: 9780006473268

Publisher: HarperCollins, 1993

Synopsis

The aye-aye - part lemur, part rodent, the beast with the magic finger that lurks in the forests of Madagascar - is one of the world's strangest creatures. Once thought to be extinct, the aye-aye is now found only in small colonies. Gerald Durrell's task was to capture some aye-aye for breeding at his Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust. Although on a serious scientific expedition, Durrell relates his adventures with humour.

About this title

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

Edition details

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 1993
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0006473261
• ISBN 13: 9780006473268
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 224