This collection is the sixth casebook written by wildlife vet David Taylor, and the third I have read so far. I really enjoy these wonderfully written autobiographies; they manage to be both humorous and poignant, and Taylor's love of animals really shines through. He genuinely has their best welfare at heart.

From the outset the books may appear a bit dated, having been written almost three decades ago- but however you may personally feel about zoos, circuses or marine parks, they are still worth a read. I just love Taylor's accounts of his adventures and the numerous countries he heads to in treating his patients.

This book has its sad moments that really make you think- some of Taylor's stories prove to be prophetic actually, particularly how he sees the decline of some animals. One story recounts the mystery illness of Dolphin's in the Adriatic Sea, another looks at how one elephant keeper was unknowingly on the verge of killing their charge with kindness. My favourite escapade from the book though was the tale of `Melvin,' an octopus who went on the rampage at Heathrow customs! The book also doesn't shy away from the grimmer aspects of wildlife medicine, including autopsies and the potential dangers posed to Taylor himself.

If you like reading about animals in a non-textbook, down to earth way that doesn't come across as preachy, then you will enjoy Taylor's style of writing. I would recommend giving this, `The Wandering Whale' or `Next Panda Please!' a shot. They're lovely little books.

*This review also appears on Amazon.co.uk* ( )