"In this delightful book, the Crocodile Hunter meets James Herriot for an engaging look at the trials and tribulations of being a veterinarian in South Africa. Aronson’s . . . collection of stories is totally entertaining, and his deep commitment to wildlife and conservation comes through clearly. Readers will enjoy venturing into the African bush with Aronson but will be grateful to do so from the safety of their lounge chairs. . . . This fascinating book is hard to put down; it will be enjoyed by a wide variety of readers of many ages."
—Library Journal (starred review)
Description
When do you watch a wild animal suffer and let nature take its course, and when do you intervene? In his more than twenty-five years as an African vet, Roy Aronson has tended to a two-ton rhino that lost its horn after colliding with a concrete wall, facilitated the miraculous recovery of a squirrel monkey, performed eye surgery on a lion out in the bush, and treated a hedgehog that had been mauled by a dog. He has also worked with some of Africa’s most dedicated conservationists and wildlife veterinarians. He has witnessed their passion and bravery and been with them when hard decisions had to be made.
Tales of an African Vet brings together Dr. Aronson’s adventures in a rare behind-the-scenes look at those who treat wild animals in their natural habitats. Whether you are drawn to outdoor adventure stories, African wildlife, or the veterinarian’s trade, you will find this a riveting read, filled with rich insights into both the animal and human cultures of Africa.