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.
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