Rob Laidlaw has been working tirelessly on behalf of animals in zoos ever since I first met him many years ago. This well written book, with its carefully chosen examples and photographs, is a fair assessment of what is bad, better and best for animals in this world of captivity. It will help you to judge for yourself whether or not the conditions are suitable so that, when necessary, you can speak out on behalf of some unhappy animal prisoner.
-Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder – the Jane Goodall Institute, UN Messenger of Peace

Rob Laidlaw writes about what every young person, with their natural empathy, instinctively feels—that animals suffer horribly in zoos and, even with our best efforts, we cannot alleviate that misery or justify their incarceration. Dramatically and powerfully presented with stark comparisons between animals’ natural lives and often-heartbreaking cases of individual animals in zoos (few people will be able to quickly forget Yupi the polar bear), this book will set kids on the path to compassion and advocacy.
–Ingrid Newkirk, President, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

[This] is a very important book. Rob Laidlaw presents a balanced view of life in captivity for sentient beings who would rather be free. Just like humans, animals have a point of view and preferences for what happens to them. Much of the time what humans call “good welfare” isn’t good enough—we can always do better for zoo residents and other animals. One way to make the world a more compassionate and less cruel place is to teach children well. And this is exactly what this book does. Children are ambassadors for the future, and keeping their hopes and dreams for a better world alive will translate into increasing our compassion footprint. I will share this book widely in my work with Roots & Shoots (http://www.rootsandshoots.org) groups around the world.
–Marc Bekoff, Professor Emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado; co-founder with Jane Goodall of Ethnologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, authors of The Ten Trusts; Author, The Emotional Lives of Animals; Animals Matter; and Animals at Play: Rules of the Game

This little book is deceptively powerful. It asks young people to look objectively at what they see in zoos, and to think about what zoo animals need and want. Laidlaw cuts through the marketing doublespeak of many modern zoos, and in plain language he asks questions that need to be considered not only by a new generation, but also by zoos themselves.
–David Hancocks, Author, A Different Nature: The Paradoxical World of Zoos and Their Uncertain Future; Former Director, Woodland Park Zoo (Seattle), Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Open Range Zoo (Weribee, Australia)

This is the best book I have ever read about zoos for children. I can think of nothing more educational than giving this book to every child before visiting a zoo… A must for every parent or teacher who wants their children to learn the truth about zoos. …and the author does not condescend or talk down either to you or to your kids. One of the best books on animals EVER!”
–Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, Author, When Elephants Weep: The Emotional Lives of Animals; Dogs Never Lie About Love: Reflections on the Emotional World of Dogs; and The Pig Who Sang to the Moon: The Emotional Lives of Farm Animals

At last—a book for young people about animals that tells it like it is. With stark common sense, Laidlaw lays out the evidence that wildlife belongs in the wild. Whitewashing captivity has been the norm for too long—we now know too much to continue to ignore the suffering of the complex animals we incarcerate. The zoo community won’t like this book, but with the scientific and experiential substantiation, it won’t be able to deny its legitimate place in the genre.
–Debra Probert, Executive Director, Vancouver Humane Society

As today’s children move toward becoming tomorrow’s citizens, it is our responsibility to shape them into kind, understanding, responsible individuals who will in turn shape the nation that they will inherit. It is not very often that a children’s book comes along to further such a noble cause. As you will see, this is that book. Teaching youth empathy for animals is the first step in teaching them empathy for everyone. Study after study has demonstrated that educating children to value, protect, and extend justice and mercy to any others helps make them more sensitive to the feelings of all others. Children can change the world. Putting them on the path to becoming enlightened adults can start with reading this book.
–Auradha Sawhney, Chief Functionary, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India

It is time for a new generation to take a critical look at zoos. Had the young people of Anchorage heard Laidlaw’s ideas, they might have asked key questions about the role of their own zoo, and Maggie the elephant’s suffering could have ended much sooner. An irresistible read for all ages!
–Friends of Maggie, Anchorage, Alaska

Most kids love to visit zoos and enjoy seeing animals. This book takes such visits to another level by giving children, their parents, and teachers the ability to assess zoos and the well-being of the animals they house. With a balanced, fair approach, the text explains what happens to so many of the cute baby animals we see in zoos; whether or not endangered species are being protected; whether or not the animals are hurt or helped by their experiences; and how zoos can help or hurt individual animals in their care. There is nothing else like it; [this book] should be read by all kids and adults planning a trip to the zoo.
–Barry Kent MacKay, Ornithological Artist; Naturalist; Author; Senior Program Associate, Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute

We loved [this book] and will be providing students who contact us with a copy of it. The book provides a stark contrast between the richly diverse life experienced by animals in the wild and the impoverished lives of most animals in captivity. Their stories were compelling and heartbreaking. This is a wonderful read for children and adults alike and provides a great opportunity for readers to become involved in resolving captive animal issues.
–Liz White, Director, Animal Alliance of Canada

With the natural world fast disappearing, [this book] offers a timely and very important look at why, where, and how we need to change our treatment of wild animals. It aims to help youngsters understand what life is like for wild animals in zoos, including showing readers how to see for themselves. Laidlaw offers a fair, balanced assessment that is easy to read and engagingly illustrated with real stories and pictures. For anyone planning a zoo visit, old or young, I’d put Wild Animals in Captivity on their must-read list.
–Anne E. Russon PhD, Author, Orangutans, Wizards of the Rainforest and Reaching into Thought: The Minds of the Great Apes

Rob Laidlaw’s book is certainly an inspiring work that spells out to a younger audience many of the key issues of the so-called zoo debate in an easy and non-patronizing way… For those young readers new to the debate, the comparisons between the lives in the wild and in captivity will be particularly useful, especially because they are not hypothetical, but based on real cases. Educators who may consider introducing this book to their students will also find balance in statements that do not fall into an artificial amoral neutrality nor avoid qualifying as “not good enough” some of the so-called improvements that zoos often chose after having been pressured and challenged… I have inspected many zoological collections in the world and I have gone through the same thought processes and conclusions as the author. I wish I had had a book like this when I was younger. It would have taken me where I wanted to go much faster, and I would have started to protect animals much sooner.
–Jordi Casamitjana, Consultant Zoologist, Animal Protectionist, United Kingdom

'Wild Animals in Captivity' is a great book that not only explains the problems of keeping wild animals in captivity in an easy to understand and entertaining way, it also provides ways for the reader to make a difference and help the animals themselves.
-Dave Eastham, Head of Wildlife, World Society for the Protection of Animals

Having visited hundreds of zoos around the world, Rob Laidlaw knows what he’s talking about. Here he shows us, with photographs and plain-speaking prose, what the glossy color brochures don’t: that life behind bars is rarely acceptable, and mostly miserable.
-Jonathan Balcombe, PhD, Author: Pleasurable Kingdom: Animals and the Nature of Feeling Good

Children have a natural affinity for both animals and the truth. By talking about the lives of captive animals in a way that is as honest as itis affecting, Rob Laidlaw dignifies the intelligence and curiosity of his young readers. Any child who enters this book will emerge from it enormously enriched.
-Barbara Gowdy, Author, The White Bone, Falling Angels, Helpless, The Romantic

If a wiser and healthier attitude toward captive animals is to be achieved in our traditionally cruel society it must begin with the education of the inquisitive and questioning minds of our youth. Now is the time to begin. And Wild Animals in Captivity is the book to begin it with. Rob Laidlaw provides a compelling account of the reality of zoos that will help modern youth re-orient societal attitudes to wildlife.
-Rod Preece, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Wilfrid Laurier University, author of Animals and Nature: Cultural Myths, Cultural Realities; Awe for the Tiger, Love for the Lamb; Brute Souls, Happy Beasts and Evolution, and several other volumes.

Wild Animals in Captivity is an excellent overview of one of the most popular forms of children’s entertainment: zoos. Laidlaw has extensive knowledge of how captivity affects wild animals, and what, if anything, children actually learn from their zoo experiences.He discusses important ethical issues in a manner that is accessible to young people and enlightening to adults. Ultimately, Wild Animals in Captivity poses the question of whether animals should be kept in zoos at all. However, it allows readers to come to their own conclusions. A must-read for anyone interested in animals and wildlife.
-Catharine Grant, Author, The No-Nonsense Guide to Animal Rights (New Internationalist, 2007)

For the first time this is a book that encourages children to question - rather than accept - what they see and to look at captivity through the eyes of those on the other side of the bars. It nurtures the spark of conscience that "something" is wrong in so many zoos today and offers both insight and opportunity for putting it right. This book will compel zoo directors and visitors alike to question the value of captivity - not from any conservation perspective - but purely and simply from the physical and emotional needs of the animals themselves. When we can look these animals in the eyes and know they are content we will have done our job.
-Jill Robinson MBE, Founder & CEO, Animals Asia Foundation

If there ever was a book that taught empathy, compassion, and respect to our fellow beings, that captured the spirit and essence of the varied species with whom we share our planet, this Wild Animals in Captivity is certainly it. Through personal stories and observations, Rob Laidlaw has beautifully juxtaposed the quality of the lives of animals in the wild to those in captivity. This splendid book will open up the hearts, minds and awareness of its readers, young and old, to the beauty of animals, and to the terrible plight of so many of them in captivity. Beautifully, we are educated as to the ways their lives can and should be improved. It is clearly one of the best books on animals, be they in the wild, or in captivity, I have ever read. It’s clear information and powerful message must spread to young and old alike.
-Elliot M. Katz, DVM, President, In Defense of Animals

Wild Animals in Captivity is a visually stunning and engagingly written book that tells the story of zoo animals and contrasts their lives to those “at home in the wild.” Most zoos, from grim roadside exhibits to huge urban displays, are sadly wanting. But author Rob Laidlaw gives practical advice about how to evaluate animal treatment and lists ways to improve it. He also sees signs of progress – in 2005, for example, the venerable Detroit Zoo permanently shut down its elephant exhibit. Laidlaw also identifies compassionate models for the future, notably sanctuaries for the elephants, polar bears, whales, dolphins and Great Apes he believes should never be kept in zoos.
-Elizabeth Abbott, Animal advocate, Author of Sugar: A Bittersweet History, A Natural History of Celibacy & A Natural History of Mistresses

Rob Laidlaw’s groundbreaking book for children on the monstrous realities faced by wild animals in captivity informs while it educates, and offers guidance amid depictions of misery. But most of all it is a poignant plea for the group least inclined towards mistreating animals to learn and ultimately act on their behalf. Often caught in powerless situations of their own, children have an instinctual empathy and sensitivity towards animals that sadly dissipates in many of us in adulthood. They will provide the best of reading publics. Beautifully illustrated and written in clear cogent language, Wild Animals in Captivity is timely, authentic and quietly passionate. I thoroughly recommend it not only to children but to all those who strive to make a better world for those who cannot vote and whose existence as mere spectacle denies dignity on both sides of the zoo divide.
-Max Foran, Professor, Faculty of Communication and Culture, University of Calgary, Author The Madonna List

Wild Animals in Captivity is an excellent resource book that teaches children and their parents’ responsibility for the welfare of the captive animals in our midst, by learning to discern between the good, the bad, and the ugly in animal care. Rob Laidlaw stays entirely focused on animal need – not the human agenda - while gently encouraging children to get involved and make a difference; a life lesson that will ultimately benefit both animal and man.
-Else M.B. Poulsen, Zookeeper, Author Smiling Bears, Journey into the Heart of Bears

A brillant introduction to the welfare of animals in zoos. Rob's book is well researched, thought-provoking and is an essential read for all young people. It will make you think twice the next time you see an animal in the zoo and wonder if we should indeed keep wildlife in the wild. This book is an essential handbook for all budding zoocheckers or anyone interested in making a positive difference in the lives of captive animals.
-Louis Ng, Executive Director, Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES), Singapore

This book is a powerful and easy to understand view of the lives many wild animals lead in captivity. It is a real eye-opener for children and adults alike, raising legitimate questions about the quality of life we are imposing on captive wildlife. It does so without judgmental or radical statements,simply inviting the reader to use their own judgment in thinking about the conditions many of these animals are living in. The descriptions of the animals in captivity sadden me immensely and I hope that many readers will come to the conclusion that it is time for humans to reconsider our desire to impose a lifetime of captivity on many species of wild animals.
-Vicki Burns, Former Executive Director, Winnipeg Humane Society

Children both want and deserve to experience honesty. In this book, Rob Laidlaw delivers with respect and sensitivity, the sometimes disturbing truth about animals in captivity. In the process he equips children with critical insights and an ability to view captive wild animals with compassion and intelligence. Far from leaving children with a sense of hopelessness, Rob’s practical suggestions will serve to empower children in their own quest to improve the future for all wild animals.
- Cathy Kinsman, Co-founder and Project Director, Whale Stewardship Project