For the Love of Lemurs

My Life in the Wilds of Madagascar

By: Patricia Chapple Wright

Narrated by: Cindy Henkin

In 1986, primatologist Patricia Chapple Wright was given a seemingly impossible task: to travel to the rainforests of Madagascar and find the greater bamboo lemur, a species that hadn’t been seen in the wild for 30 years. Not only did Wright discover that the primate still existed but that it lived alongside a completely new species. What followed was a love affair with an animal and a country that continues to this day.

In this frank and enchanting sequel to High Moon Over the Amazon, Wright recounts the many challenges she faced, including separation from her daughter, a tempestuous romance with a fellow scientist, and political upheaval that threatens her dream of establishing a national park to ensure the safety of her precious lemurs. But in the end, her tenacity, daring, and passion for this endangered primate lead to extraordinary scientific breakthroughs and help bring the animal back from the brink of extinction.

©2016, 2020 Patricia Chapple Wright (P)2020 Lantern Publishing & Media

Whispering narration

I chose to read this in preparation for an upcoming trip to Madagascar, and it gave me marvelous background in the natural history of lemurs , the ecology of the island and insight into some of the history and culture .
However, if I hadn’t been highly motivated, the hushed speech of the narrator would have put me off it for good. Be sure to listen to a clip before buying to make sure you aren’t as irritated as I have been.

Dr. Patricia Wright's accomplishments in conservation and uncovering new species of lemurs and other flora and fauna.

Her story is fascinating for anyone who loves science, history, paleontology, and adventure. What an amazing life she has had. She should be as well known as the other female primatologists--Jane Goodall, Diane Fossey and Birute Galdikas. Dr. Wright has left her mark through conservation in Madagascar with many prestigious awards .