Rescue

Discover the captivating journey of animal conservation and adventure in 'Rescue'. Written by renowned naturalist Michael Willis, this paperback book chronicles his passionate quest to save endangered animals and rare livestock breeds. With dimensions of 170 x 240 mm and 304 pages of riveting tales, this publication is a must-read for animal lovers and conservation enthusiasts alike. Dive into Willis's incredible experiences at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve near Christchurch. His dedication has not only preserved the beauty of native kiwis and exotic species but has also sparked a global mission to rescue forgotten animals from extinction. From the engaging stories of traveling to remote islands in search of lost breeds to humorous encounters with wildlife, 'Rescue' delivers an inspiring message about the importance of conservation. Willis’s knack for storytelling will entertain and educate readers, making 'Rescue' an essential addition to your wildlife library. Whether you’re an aspiring zookeeper or simply interested in animal welfare, this book offers insights into the challenges and triumphs of wildlife conservation efforts. Order your copy today and join Michael on a heartfelt journey that showcases the importance of protecting our planet's diverse wildlife. Perfect for gift-giving, this informative read is sure to resonate with anyone who shares a love for animals and the environment.

Author: Michael Willis Publisher: Quentin Wilson Publishing
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 170 x 240 mm
Pages: 304
Publication Date: 31-10-2019

Michael Willis was ten years old, already keeping rabbits, guinea pigs, frogs, possums and birds in his parents’ garden and dreaming of running a zoo of his own. Then came a life-changing present: a copy of naturalist Gerald Durrell’s The Bafut Beagles. Suddenly the idea of working with animals became more than just a fantasy. A lot of hard work and ingenuity later, the dream came true in 1974, when Michael opened Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, on the outskirts of Christchurch. An immensely popular and prize-winning tourist attraction, Willowbank is home to a rich collection of exotic and native animals, from kiwi and kea to otters, camels and monkeys. But that has been only part of the story. Over the years Michael has been increasingly driven to save and conserve rare livestock breeds, many of them far more endangered than some of their familiar native counterparts. He has travelled New Zealand, and the world, in his quest to save these often forgotten animals from extinction. Whether it is rediscovering the tasselled and beguiling kune kune pig, saving the goats of remote Arapawa Island, capturing wild pigs on the forbidding Auckland Islands, bringing back to life the lost wild cattle of Enderby Island or travelling to the Galápagos in search of threatened wild donkeys, his has been a life full of adventure, and full of the animals he loves. And the search continues. Just as he did in his delightful, best-selling first book, Some of My Best Friends are Animals, Michael Willis recounts his sometimes perilous and always riveting experiences with warmth, passion and infectiously laconic humour. Rescue will make you laugh and gasp, and think. For, as he reminds us, in an uncertain world, the saving of these animals could be the saving of us all.