Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #970845 in Books
• Published on: 1999-12
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Library Binding
• 144 pages

From School Library Journal
Grade 7 Up-Anyone investigating the myriad options in wildlife careers will find sound advice and inspiration in this guide. Maynard provides insights into veterinary medicine; zoo and aquarium careers; wildlife research, education, and conservation; and jobs in the communication and creative arts. He profiles many people in specific niches including author and painter Roger Tory Peterson, San Diego Zoo "goodwill ambassador" Joan Embery, chimpanzee researcher Jane Goodall, along with an ethnobotanist, spider behaviorist, nature guide, and many others. The generally full-page biographical sketches are integrated into the chapters but readers may be confused at first about where the text ends and the profiles begin. Helpful tips are given on choosing and pursuing such careers. Salaries are rated on a scale from 1-10, comparing years of college needed to earning levels for each occupation. Maynard writes with flourish throughout most of the book and the material is fascinating. Potentially challenging vocabulary is explained in the text and glossary. Both color and black-and-white photos range from fair to excellent in quality, and gender/ethnic/age representation is outstanding. There are numerous contacts and references listed for more information about educational programs, organizations, and publications, including Web sites. A current book specifically on wildlife careers for teens has been sorely needed; this one updates and supplements Edward R. Ricciuti's chatty and also inspirational They Work with Wildlife (Harper & Row, 1983; o.p.).
Diane P. Tuccillo, Mesa Public Library, AZ
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Although many young people are intrigued by careers involving animals, they often think only of veterinary work with pets. Using a conversational tone, Maynard presents a much wider sampling of wildlife-related options--from training wild animals and working with insects to directing a conservation program. Profiles of people in diverse wildlife jobs and information on education, training, and salary range are included, as is practical advice for students. Readers may get bogged down in the job titles and occasional repetition; also, the illustrations (mostly black-and-white photos) are not always clear or informative, and the bibliography lists only three books (it does list a number of Web sites). Even so, this will make a handy complement to Louise Miller's Careers for Animal Lovers (1991) and Ceel Pasternak and Linda Thornburg's Cool Careers for Girls series title on the subject (1999). Catherine Andronik

Customer Reviews

Working with Wildlife
A useful book for students or anyone who is thinking about careers and wants to learn about this subject. The author, Thane Maynard, is director of education at the Cincinnati Zoo, and is very knowledgable about his subject.

Working with Wildlife Charts an Exciting Career Course!
When young people begin to explore careers in the world of wildlife, this might be the best primer available. In Maynard's first step into exploring an exciting career working with wildlife, he has provided a comprehensive picture of just what that means. Through examples of researchers in Africa to wildlife rehabilitators in Ohio, Maynard gives young readers a glimpse into the diversity of opportunities out there.

Working with Wildlife is a great addition to career guides for young people and should be on the shelf in every school library. It is exciting to read because of the numerous real world examples of conservationists, researchers, zoo professionals, and educators and the dramatic color photographs. Maynard's writing style is passionate and positive, generating enthusiasm for wildlife careers and encouraging readers to pursue their interests.

The book is loaded with suggestions for further study. Maynard recommends steps a student can follow to learn more about their interests. He has included everything from additional readings and websites to colleges with wildlife programs.

No student should begin pursuing a career adventure in wildlife without this wonderful guide!