Nicholas Wade

be traced back to My Family and Other Animals. “That book and his subsequent books bred a whole generation of zoologists,” says Lee Durrell. And although captive breeding has its critics, there is no doubt for some species it has been crucial. A report last month from BirdLife International described the existence of 31 bird species in conservation efforts, including captive breeding. Californian condors now number more than 100 through such a programme and the Bali starling was reduced to an estimated six in the wild, but is now breeding successfully in a number of captive programmes, and available for release when conditions permit. The need for captive breeding programmes is greater than it has ever been, says Lee Durrell. “The situation is probably more alarming than when he started.” On Jersey, an initiative between Ottakar’s bookshop and Penguin is encouraging every teenager and adult on the island to read My Family and Other Animals with a donation of £1 to the Durrell Wildlife Trust for each book sold. And the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust continues to be run according to the principles he laid down in the early days. Lee Durrell believes her late husband would be overwhelmed at the new flurry of attention but would hope it has a positive outcome. Beacon: Gerald Durrell was considered ahead of his time in the conservation potential of zoos. (Photo: Penguin Books). Q & A