Gerald Durrell
Gerald Durrell: A Life of Wonder and Conservation
Gerald Durrell was a British naturalist, zookeeper, conservationist, and writer who left an indelible mark on the world of wildlife preservation.
Full Name and Common Aliases
Gerald Malcolm Durrell, commonly known as Jerry Durrell
Birth and Death Dates
Born: January 22, 1925, in Jamnagar, India (now part of Pakistan)
Died: January 30, 1995, in Ventnor, Isle of Wight, UK
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: British
Professions: Naturalist, zookeeper, conservationist, writer
Gerald Durrell's life was a testament to his boundless enthusiasm for the natural world. He dedicated himself to preserving wildlife and their habitats, often taking unconventional approaches that inspired others to follow in his footsteps.
Early Life and Background
Durrell was born into a family of modest means, but one with a passion for adventure and exploration. His father, Lawrence Samuel Durrell, was a British colonial officer who served in India and Africa, while his mother, Louisa Florence Dixie, came from a family of military officers and writers. Growing up, Gerald spent much time outdoors, developing an intimate connection with the natural world that would shape his future endeavors.
The Durrell family moved to Corfu, Greece, when Gerald was five years old, where he spent many idyllic childhood summers exploring the island's flora and fauna. These experiences not only sparked a lifelong interest in wildlife but also laid the foundation for his future writing career. His experiences on Corfu would later inspire some of his most beloved books.
Major Accomplishments
Gerald Durrell's accomplishments are too numerous to list, but a few stand out as highlights:
Founding of Jersey Zoo: In 1959, Durrell established the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust (now known as Jersey Zoo), which became a pioneering example of a conservation-minded zoo. The zoo focused on breeding endangered species in captivity and reintroducing them into the wild.
Conservation Efforts: Throughout his life, Durrell worked tirelessly to protect wildlife habitats and combat the threat of extinction. He was instrumental in saving several species from extinction, including the Mauritius pink pigeon, the Rodrigues fruit bat, and the Burmese star tortoise.
Notable Works or Actions
Durrell's writing career spanned over four decades, with numerous bestselling books that captivated readers worldwide:
_My Family and Other Animals_ (1956): This memoir of his Corfu childhood not only secured Durrell's place as a writer but also cemented his reputation as an engaging storyteller.
_The Bafut Bequest_ (1970) and _Encounter with a Spirit Bear_ (1991): These books exemplify Durrell's ability to weave science, adventure, and humor into compelling narratives.
Impact and Legacy
Gerald Durrell's impact on conservation is immeasurable. He not only raised awareness about the plight of endangered species but also inspired generations of naturalists, scientists, and conservationists:
Raising Awareness: Through his writing and public speaking, Durrell educated millions about the importance of preserving wildlife and their habitats.
Influencing Policy: His work helped shape conservation policies worldwide, particularly in the areas of zoo reform and species protection.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Gerald Durrell's enduring legacy is a testament to his boundless enthusiasm for life. He remains widely quoted and remembered due to:
Inspiring Generations: His commitment to conservation has inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in wildlife preservation.
Accessible Writing Style: Durrell's writing continues to captivate readers with its unique blend of science, adventure, and humor.
Gerald Durrell's life is a shining example of how one individual can make a lasting impact on the world. His dedication to conservation, coupled with his engaging storytelling ability, has left an indelible mark that will continue to inspire future generations of naturalists, scientists, and writers.
Quotes by Gerald Durrell
At last, after much effort, there came a prolonged belch from the mud and Larry shot to the surface and we hauled him up the bank. He stood there, covered with the black and stinking slush, looking like a chocolate statue that has come in contact with a blast furnace; he appeared to be melting as we watched.
Oh, Mother, don’t be so old-fashioned,’ Margo said impatiently. ‘After all, you only die once.’ This remark was as baffling as it was true, and successfully silenced Mother.
Larry was designed by Providence to go through life like a small, blond firework, exploding ideas in other people’s minds, and then curling up with catlike unctuousness and refusing to take any blame for the consequences.
The sea lifted smooth blue muscles of wave as it stirred in the dawn-light, and the foam of our wake spread gently behind us like a white peacock’s tail, glinting with bubbles.
The most wonderful, beautiful things in life are the simple things which we have all forgotten.
It has always amazed me that these people who are trying to learn and understand the world around us before it is bulldozed out of existence, have to work on piteously low salaries or on minuscule and precarious grants, while they do one of the most important jobs in the world. For it is only by learning how the planet works that we will see what we are doing wrong and have a chance to save it and ourselves as well.
Well,” said Larry with dignity, “it may give you pleasure to be woken at half-past three in the morning by a pigeon who seems intent on pushing his rectum into your eye...
But throughout my life I have rarely if ever achieved what I wanted by tackling it in a logical fashion.