When Life Gives You Lemurs: How saving animals saved me

A story of courage, generosity and the tender power of animals to heal humans.

A story of the tender power of animals to heal broken humans. Tim Husband was born into a Jehovah's Witness family who spent their weekends delivering God's Word. Struggling to fit into this orthodox community, he found refuge in the bush, collecting and caring for injured animals. At fourteen, Tim was thrown out of home by his father and the church elders. He was taken in by the owner of the local zoo, and in exchange for a bed and food, Tim spent the next ten years caring for the wild animals. Patiently observing these exotic animals gave Tim his first true sense of family. He slowly enriches their lives by making their habitats closer to those found in the wild.Tim is one of a handful of international specialists known for their expertise in animal care. He has directed, designed and curated at some of the best-known zoos in the world, building a reputation as an exotic animal whisperer.

Tim Husband is a highly experienced Captive Wild Animal Manager and Zoo Consultant. He has worked in some of the world's best-known wildlife parks. With over 40 years' experience, Tim's innovations include improving animal care practises, exhibit design, animal acquisitions, staff motivation and public presentation. He is well respected as a teacher, an ardent supporter of animal keepers and most of all, as a devoted advocate for the conservation of wild animals.


Deborah Kane has written children's television scripts and short plays for theatre and film. She has worked in the communications department of the Human Rights Commission.