Radlett man publishes zoo book

WHAT started off as a personal project to find out more about Europe’s zoos has led to the release of a debut book for a wildlife enthusiast from Radlett.

Anthony Sheridan has devoted the past three years to visiting more than 80 leading zoos around the continent in a bid to gain information on them and how they are run.

“After retiring from the electronics industry in late 2007 I started thinking about what to do next. I found that there was a niche in the zoo world which interested me as I’m a wildlife enthusiast and extremely anxious about what is happening on the planet,” he said.

“I started in early 2008 and by May it had become a full-time project, involving 50 hour weeks.”

Having visited the zoos, analysed them and met with managing directors, Anthony had gained a huge range of information. He admits that he had never intended to put it into a book until it was suggested to him by a friend.

Titled What Zoos Can Do – Europe’s Leading Zoological Gardens 2010-2020, the recently released, 400-page book covers topics ranging from conservation and education, to the outlook for 2020 and profiles. It also includes ranking lists and facts and figures.

Anthony added: “This book is a must have for all those interested in zoos; whether they be enthusiasts, sceptics, visitors, sponsors, zoo owners, politicians or wildlife enthusiasts.

“It wasn’t tough or stressful, as I like travelling and meeting people. I’ve taken it all very seriously and enjoyed it greatly.”

The book is available to purchase from Beaver Travel, in Watling Street, Radlett, at �24.95. It is also available from Amazon and the Independent Zoo Enthusiast Society (IZES).

All proceeds will go to a conservation project in Nam Nung Reserve, Vietnam, for yellow-cheeked crested gibbons.