Thought to Exist in the Wild: Awakening from the Nightmare of Zoos - Softcover

Derrick Jensen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0972838716 ISBN 13: 9780972838719

Publisher: UNKNO, 2007

Synopsis

Combining stunning photos with a deeply moving essay, this book presents a passionate and unflinching exploration of zoos and what they teach us about animals, ourselves, and our relationship to the wild. This compelling work paints an unforgettable portrait not only of “life on the inside”, but of our views of the natural world and our place in it.

About this title

From the Publisher:

This book was turned down by numerous commercial publishers. Because we have all been taught for decades--for our entire lifetimes--that zoos are good and necessary places, making a case otherwise is not a popular, or "marketable," stand. And so it falls to a small, non-profit organization to send this voice out into the world.

Although many of the animals in this book are mammals--those animals in whom, looking into their eyes, we can recognize suffering--it bears remembering that zoos hold captive all manner of species, and that each and every one of these animals suffers in his or her own unique way, even if we can't readily see it.

And, although many zoos would tell us that their "habitats" for the animals have been greatly improved throughout the years, and that some of the photos in this book are not reflective of that, know that there are zoos and aquariums from one end of this country to the other (and in other countries) with horrible conditions, holding animals who suffer tremendously. In any case, the only important question is not the quality of the conditions in which they are held captive, but whether they should be held captive at all.

For more information on the massive underground trade in "exotic" animals, we recommend the amazing book, Animal Underworld: Inside America's Black Market for Rare and Exotic Species, by Alan Green, published by the Center for Public Integrity. You will never look at zoos in the same way again.

We send you our thanks for considering Thought to Exist in the Wild. We are working to distribute it widely, and to get it on the shelves of public and university libraries where inquiring minds can be presented with an alternative view of zoos.

No Voice Unheard is a non-profit, tax exempt 501(c)3 organization dedicated to promoting compassion and respect for all living beings and the planet we share. We generate exposure, education, advocacy, and action in support of our mission, and have carved out a niche as an independent publisher of distinctive books that are cutting-edge in their content and presentation. Our books illuminate important social issues, creating unique voices on behalf of those who are unseen, ignored or disregarded by society.

No Voice Unheard was founded by the authors of One at a Time: A Week in an American Animal Shelter, after commercial publishers told them the book was too graphic to be marketable. Now in a 4th printing, the book resides on hundreds of public and university library shelves, serves as a college course book, has won national awards, and is used by individuals, shelters, and rescue groups across the country to educate their communities about this nation's homeless animal tragedy. Thousands of copies are in circulation, touching hearts and changing minds.

About the Author:

Called the philosopher poet of the ecological movement, Derrick Jensen the author of nine books, including the acclaimed titles, A Language Older than Words and The Culture of Make Believe
Photographer Karen Tweedy-Holmes, widely exhibited and published, is devoted to making black-and-white portraits of psychological depth and intensity. Her deepest interest is the animal world.
Authors reside: Jensen - Northern California coast; Tweedy-Holmes - New York City

About this edition

• Publisher: UNKNO
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0972838716
• ISBN 13: 9780972838719
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 152