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ANIMAL HOSPITAL by Julia Coey

ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Rescuing Urban Wildlife

by Julia Coey

Pub Date: Nov. 15th, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-77085-572-4
Publisher: Firefly

Sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife who share our city lives are rescued and rehabilitated in specialized treatment centers.

Squirrels and foxes, raptors and loons, goslings and skunks, rabbits and raccoons—all kinds of animals survive and even thrive along with humans (and their machines and pets) in a busy urban area. But sometimes these wild creatures need some human assistance. Opening with a clear explanation of urban animal needs and why a rehab center is important, the author, communications coordinator at the Toronto Wildlife Centre, goes on to give specific examples of animal rescue, care, and release done by staff and volunteers there. Plentiful, well-chosen photographs add to the appeal. Chapter titles are set on spreads with striking images: an opossum among flowers, a trapped swan being rescued from the ice. A panel shows happy survivors trotting off after recovery and release. Throughout, pulled-out paragraphs and substantial text boxes add interesting facts, offer further examples, and contradict some popular assumptions. Why humans should help wild animals is given as much attention as how. The author’s suggestions for readers’ involvement include reminders about appropriate trash disposal as well as names of organizations, and a concluding chapter describes three similar rehab centers around the world.

A straightforward introduction to an appealing topic for upper-elementary and middle school readers.

(photo credits, resources, index) (Nonfiction. 9-13)