SAUCE FOR THE MONGOOSE

by Bruce Kinloch ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 18, 1965

The nature and habits of the mongoose are explored with gusto and con amore by a gentleman who gave house room and board to one in Tanganyika. The encounter was quite aside from his official duties on behalf of the wild animals of Tanganyika, and began when his wife Elizabeth brought home a seemingly helpless little orphan who quickly dominated the household. Named Pipa (Swahili for barrel) for his appearance, nicknamed ""goose"" and ""His Lordship"" for other obvious attributes, the mongoose fed on whisky and soda, praying mantises, and soap as well as salad with French dressing (the sauce for the goose). Mr. Kinloch witnessed his pranks amused and bemused, and, aside from catering to his tastes, took him for trips to the beach, which his friend Kotick, the yellow Labrador, also enjoyed. The Kinlochs brought him to Serengeti when they decided that Dar-Es-Salaam was not for him; there he engaged the affection of the scouts (who cycled sixteen miles a day to fetch him milk when he could drink nothing else) and Debe, a young female mongoose, with whom he eventually made off on his greatest escapade, and return to the wilds. The Duluth Mongoose introduced this animal earlier in the year; the present telling lacks that book's story line but gives a more intimate picture of its antics. Fun for animal lovers.

Pub Date: Oct. 18, 1965

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Knopf

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1965

Categories: NONFICTION