Gerald Durrell
Gerald Durrell was a notable British naturalist, zookeeper, and author, renowned for his contributions to wildlife conservation and his engaging writing on zoology. Born in 1925, he spent his early years on the Greek island of Corfu, where he developed a passion for nature and kept local animals as pets. His life took a significant turn during World War II, when his family relocated to England. Durrell began his career in the animal care industry and later worked at Whipsnade Zoo, where he honed his skills as an animal keeper.
In 1947, Durrell embarked on his first zoological expedition to Cameroon, which inspired his acclaimed book, "The Overloaded Ark." Throughout his life, he traveled extensively to capture the beauty and challenges of wildlife, publishing numerous works until 1986. In 1958, he founded the Jersey Zoological Park, focusing on the breeding and care of endangered species. Durrell's commitment to conservation earned him several accolades, including being named Officer of the Order of the British Empire. His legacy includes not only his writings but also his contributions to the protection of vulnerable wildlife.
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Gerald Durrell
Naturalist
- Born: January 7, 1925
- Birthplace: Jamshedpur, India
- Died: January 30, 1995
Biography
Gerald Durrell was the second son of Lawrence Samuel and Louisa Florence Dixie Durrell. After the death of his father, Durrell and the rest of his family settled on the Greek island of Corfu. It was there that he discovered his love for zoology; he kept local wildlife as pets. In 1939, World War II forced Durrell and his family to leave the island and head for England. In London, Durrell got a job in a pet shop before becoming a student animal keeper at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire, England, in 1945.
Durrell started traveling in 1947, when he led a zoological expedition to Bafut, Cameroon. This trip inspired Durrell to write his first book, The Overloaded Ark (1953), which focused on the fun, rather than the dangers, of collecting animals. He continued to go on wildlife expeditions and write about them until 1986. Durrell opened the Jersey Zoological Park on the Channel Island of Jersey in 1958; the park specialized in the breeding and care of endangered species.
Durrell’s first marriage, to Jacqueline Sonia Rasen in 1951, ended in divorce; he later married Lee Wilson McGeorge in 1979. During their marriages, both women assisted Durrell with the establishment and upkeep of his zoo. For Three Singles to Adventure (1954), Durrell received the National Association of Independent Schools Award in 1956. He was also named Officer of the Order of the British Empire.