Grove. 284p. illus. c2002. 0-8021-4010-6. $12.00. JSA

The Siddles had purchased a large tract of land in Zambia, established a cattle ranch and determined to settle in for the remainder of their lives when in 1983 Pal. a very sick and injured baby chimp, was brought to them by a game ranger. Pal had been orphaned by poachers, his entire family probably slaughtered for meat. The only thing for Sheila and Dave to do was nurse the infant back to health. Word soon got around and more chimps in desperate need of care and rehabilitation arrived. The farm became a refuge for other kinds of animals as well. The Siddles constructed their own cages, enclosures and other facilities for the animals. They soon needed hired help for care and feeding and became a large market for local fruits and vegetables. Friends began soliciting support as the financial responsibilities grew and what started out as a cattle farm became Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage, home to 80 chimpanzees.

This is an amazing story of extreme patience, perseverance and love as the Siddles learned to care for chimps, put up with all their idiosyncrasies and the dangers involved, and become totally committed to their well being. It is full of endearing stories of chimp behavior and the horrors of human abuse that create the need for sanctuaries. Sheila's candid writing style is delightful and easy to read. She tells all about the trials of on-the-job learning, the struggle to understand the animals and to do what is best for them and the humans with whom they come into contact. She includes anecdotes about other animals and tells how she came to live in Africa. Her love for her surroundings and her animals is profound. The book includes numerous photos and a chart of all the names of the chimps with arrival dates and birth and death information. Ann Hart, Trustee, Juniata County Lib., Mifflintown, PA

COPYRIGHT 2003 Kliatt
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group