I read at least one wildlife book a month. It's my genre of choice as I naturally gravitate towards books on animals. Perhaps not all that surprising given that I have a Primatology degree and volunteer with primates.
Check out my top recommendations for wildlife books that I've enjoyed reading. I hope that you'll enjoy them as much as I did.
WHY I ENJOYED READING ABOUT BEING CARIBOU:
Caribou don't have the wow factor that some animals like pandas have. They don't draw you in as some wildlife species do. Before reading this book I had a mild interest in them at most.
After reading it, I found caribou and Karsten's journey to be fascinating! I had no idea just how sensitive they were. I also recommend the Being Caribou DVD. I think it's even better than the book.
After reading this book, not only will you never think of caribou the same again, you might actually think of them.
WHY I LOVED READING IN THE SHADOW OF MAN:
If I could only choose one role model, it would be Dr Jane Goodall. Goodall and her books were what led me to pursue a Primatology degree, work in environmental education at the Calgary Zoo and volunteer with primates. I've had the pleasure of hearing her speak twice, and soon for the third time.
Through sharing her experiences with the chimps, you'll love how connected you feel to each of the chimps. Some of them you will love. Others you will loathe.
This book, above any other I've read, really dives into the distinct personality that each animal has. It also makes you realize just how similar we are. I also highly recommend reading Next of Kin, or any of Goodall's books.
WHY I LOVED READING SOUL OF A LION:
If I could only read five wildlife books for the rest of my life, this would be one of them. The stories of love and connection are incredibly impactful.
One story between a baboon and a goat will have you in heartfelt tears. You'll find yourself saying awww and wow, multiple times throughout this book. It's incredibly impactful for understanding the power of love, and it's ability to cross-species.
WHY I LOVED READING THE ELEPHANT WHISPERER:
First of all, I commend Lawrence for taking a herd of elephants that would have been sentenced to death. That in itself is inspiring, but what I loved, even more, was seeing how Lawerence described a herd written off as nothing but trouble, not only transform but flourish when given a chance.
WHY I ENJOYED READING THE WILDERNESS FAMILY
I've read this book at least 5 times and keep coming back to it. How would you deal with a resident cobra at your doorstep? Or being isolated for months at a time? Keeping your family safe from floods?
Kobie brings Africa to life in a way that few of us will ever know with her brilliant storytelling. I've made all my book clubs over the years read this book and even people who aren't really into wildlife, have really enjoyed it.
WHY I LOVED READING GORILLAS IN THE MIST
If I were to sum up this book in one word, it would be Digit, the silverback gorilla who Fossey became close to and who died a tragic and unnecessary death.
You can see glimpses of Fossey's erratic behaviour. (There were rumours that she was schizophrenia.)
But more importantly a look into the lives of these gentle giants. Seeing gorillas in Rwanda was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.
WHY I LOVED THE SHARKWATER PHOTO BOOK
I first saw the Sharkwater film and then bought this beautiful coffee table picture book to remind me of the beauty of sharks. It was this movie and book that inspired me to try shark diving for myself.
It's incredibly impactful and debunks the myth of sharks as the man-eating machines that they've been depicted as in JAWS and in the media. Sharks are in jeopardy of being driven to extinction because of the cruel practice of shark finning.
I'm convinced that shark tourism can be part of the conservation solution which shows that sharks are worth more alive than dead.
WHY I LOVED NEVER CRY WOLF
This was the very first wildlife book I ever read, which I read when I was 14. Years later, it's one of the most memorable books, especially one scene with a mouse.
That's saying a lot given how much I read. It's also one of the most impactful for changing our perceptions about wolves.
After reading this, it's hard to justify the senseless culling of wolves that take place throughout North America. Pacific Wild shares how you can help save wolves and stop the wolf hunt.
WHY I ENJOYED READING WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T RUN
This book has laugh-out-loud moments that will leave you wondering whether we're really the smartest creatures on the planet. I recommend this entertaining wildlife read before going on safari.
WHY I ENJOYED READING THE TIGER: A TRUE STORY OF VENGEANCE & SURVIVAL
This book gives a chilling insight into life in the wilderness of Siberia. I found it easy to forget that this was a non-fiction book as Vaillant is an excellent story-teller. You will find yourself loving and hating the men that hunt the tiger as well as the man-eating tiger that hunts them.
WHY I ENJOYED READING CRY OF THE KALAHARI
I enjoyed reading about Mark & Delia's adventure. As a wildlife lover myself, the book gave me an inside look into what really roughing it in the wild really means. Their courage and survival skills are awe-inspiring and their experiences really take the concept of adventure travel to new heights.
WHY I ENJOYED READING AMERICAN WOLF
I enjoyed America Wolf. The book acquaints the reader with the beauty of the Yellowstone wolf and it traces the history of this elusive animal and the challenges it faces. This book will have you wanting to look for wolves in the wild, which is not an easy thing to do considering how small their populations are.
WHY I ENJOYED READING STEVE & ME
Technically this is not a book about wildlife but rather one about the most notorious wildlife conservationists in the world. The book is written by Steve Irwin's wife who recounts the story of their meeting and their lives together and looks at the amazing things that both of them have done to preserve wildlife in Australia and other places in the world.
WHY I ENJOYED READING LOVE, LIFE & ELEPHANTS
Love, Life, and Elephants is an inspiring story of a woman who achieved what was thought to be impossible. The book looks at Dame Daphne's life in Africa, from her families' move to Kenya and the gift of land they received, finding true love and passion and starting her own Nature Reserve to protect the animals she spent her life protecting. The story is wonderful and awakens the adventurer in you.
WHY I ENJOYED READING THE LAST RHINOS
The book is not only about rhinos but also the way that politics and wars can affect animals. It is full of adventure and takes a look at a different way humans impact nature, rhinos, and other wildlife.
WHY I ENJOYED READING THE SOUL OF AN OCTOPUS
The book gives you exactly what the title promises, a look into the soul of an octopus. Sy Montgomery opens your eyes and mind to the wonderful intelligence of the octopus and the connections they are able to make with humans.
WHY I ENJOYED READING BONOBO HANDSHAKE
The book will make even the hardest cynic a lover of primates. It is a wonderful account of the lives of Congo's Bonobos and the volatile history of the region. Vanessa Woods holds your attention with her facts and her slapstick wit.
WHY I ENJOYED READING ANIMAL DIALOGUES
Craig Childs is a gifted writer who takes you on an adventurous journey. His view of some of the most dangerous predators in the world is fascinating and the communication he describes will have you wanting more.
WHY I ENJOYED THE TRUTH ABOUT ANIMALS
This book is lighter than most wildlife books and sheds light on some of the lesser-known facts about animals. Lucy Cook makes learning new things about wildlife hilarious without taking away from factual information. It's a quirky book and a great conversation starter.
How to Read Wildlife Books
I read most books on my Kindle Fire HD, which I can't recommend enough. It's lightweight and always in my purse. It's also ideal when traveling since it can hold multiple books at once.
I also find it extremely convenient when traveling with company and they wants to go to bed, while I want to read. I can read with my Kindle Fire's backlight, while he sleeps undisturbed.
Note: This post contains affiliate links in which I receive a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend books that I've enjoyed and think you will too.
