________________ CM . . . . Volume VI Number 19 . . . . May 26, 2000

cover Kenyan Wildlife Vet. (Champions of the Wild Series).

Chris Aikenhead (Director). Christian Bruyere (Producer). Michael Chechik (Executive Producer).
Montreal, PQ: National Film Board of Canada, 1998.
25 min., 30 sec., VHS, $39.95.
Order Number: C9198 150.

Subject Headings:
DeMaar, Tom.
Ol Jogi (Kenya).
Wildlife refuges.
Wildlife veterinarians-Kenya.

Grades 5-9 / Ages 10-14.
Review by Betsy Fraser.

**** /4

excerpt:

In a country where nature is under siege he's taken on an ambitious challenge - to forge a new model for conserving Africa's vanishing wildlife.

Dr. Tom DeMaar left his conventional veterinary practice in the United States to take on a daunting task, treating everything from "baby baboons to ailing elephants." He does this in Ol Jogi, a privately owned and carefully protected private estate in Africa. Dr. DeMaar operates one of the best veterinary clinics in Africa. Ol Jogi contains the second largest number of free ranging animals in Africa, with hundreds of different animal species. This video shows how Dr. DeMaar does this, as well as why his work is important. Monitoring and researching the health of wildlife in a natural environment is a relatively new idea. Dr. DeMaar also acts as an educator. The use of animals like Rafiki, a white rhino, helps make an impression on people who may help determine the fate of his species.

Several scenes might merit previewing before showing this video to a class. The food chain is amply demonstrated with a leopard and gazelle; the horrors of the ivory trade are portrayed by the carcass of a slain elephant; and a field autopsy might upset younger viewers. Overall, this video serves an incredibly positive picture of conservation and research. Students will enjoy the stunning photography of several different species and find that Dr. DeMaar makes an excellent role model. This video is an excellent addition to a fine series.

Highly Recommended.

Betsy Fraser is a librarian with Calgary Public Library.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - May 26, 2000.

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