The Minds and Manners of Wild Animals: A Book of Personal Observations

Name: The Minds and Manners of Wild Animals: A Book of Personal Observations
Author: William T. Hornaday

By William T. Hornaday

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Nature/Gardening/Animals Science - Biology

About This Book

The author draws on personal field and zoo observations to survey the intelligence, individuality, and social behavior of wild vertebrates, organizing chapters on temperament, communication, problem-solving, learning and training, and the higher and baser passions. Case studies span primates, elephants, bears, ruminants, rodents, birds and reptiles, illustrating play, courage, fear, fighting, nesting, migration, and apparent moral behaviors. Interspersed practical anecdotes illuminate animal cognition and the limits of human interpretation, with a recurring appeal for humane understanding and conservation as civilization threatens wild populations.

About the Author

William T. Hornaday

William T. Hornaday was an American zoologist, conservationist, and author, known for his pioneering work in wildlife preservation and education. He played a significant role in the establishment of the New York Zoological Park and was a vocal advocate for the protection of endangered species. Hornaday's notable works include "Our Vanishing Wild Life: Its Extermination and Preservation," where he addressed the urgent need for conservation efforts in the face of rampant species extinction. His writings often reflect his deep commitment to understanding and preserving the natural world, making him a key figure in the early conservation movement.