Winter is over, and spring is finally here. People are starting to plan trips to parks, hiking spots, public pools, or just making time to sun themselves in their back yards. Spring fun also has a lot to do with experiencing wildlife, but even if we’re outdoor-types there are only so many kinds of animals we get to have contact with, especially if we live in a city. Most of us don’t get to pet a littler of wolf-pups or witness a band of wild horses, but thankfully we can read about them. Experience spring fully by checking out these wonderful books about animals, their life-cycle, and their environment.

WILD THINGS, WILD PLACES: ADVENTUROUS TALES OF WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION ON PLANET EARTH by JANE ALEXANDER  DB   86016

Actress, conservationist, and author of Command Performance (DB 51526) examines the field of animal conservation. Discusses scientists researching the animals and their environments, her own travels to locations, and efforts to preserve conditions for the flourishing of future generations, both human and animal. Commercial audiobook. 2016.

FASTEST THINGS ON WINGS: RESCUING HUMMINGBIRDS IN HOLLYWOOD by TERESA E. MASEAR        DB   85238

Hummingbird rescue-and-rehabilitation organizer recounts a five-month period in 2008 when she took in 160 birds. Describes the lessons she learned from individual birds, particularly Gabriel and Pepper, male and female Anna’s, who came in a month apart and developed a bond. 2015.

CALL OF THE OSPREY by DOROTHY HINSHAW PATENT       DB   82388

Follows a crew of scientists who are involved in the Montana Osprey Project–which studies the effects of mercury pollution on wildlife and humans. Highlights observations from spying on the raptors with several strategically placed webcams and the continuing research efforts aimed at better understanding of environmental problems. For grades 6-9. 2015

SECRET WORLD OF RED WOLVES: THE FIGHT TO SAVE NORTH AMERICA’S OTHER WOLF by T. DELENE BEELAND       DB   82537

Examination of conservation efforts for the red wolf. Discusses the status of the red wolf population in the early twenty-first century, their natural history, and a prognosis for their future. Profiles research studies and the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Red Wolf Recovery Program in North Carolina. 2013.

WILD HORSE SCIENTISTS by KAY FRYDENBORG         DB   76337

Discusses wild horses that reside on Assateague Island National Seashore, a barrier island between Virginia and Maryland. Details their diet, physical characteristics, life cycles, and behavior, including their interactions with humans. Explains the steps taken to control overpopulation. Contains a glossary and resources. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 2012.

ELEPHANT WHISPERER: MY LIFE WITH THE HERD IN THE AFRICAN WILD by LAWRENCE ANTHONY    DB 85906

Conservationist relates his experiences caring for a rogue herd of elephants on his South African game reserve. Describes his misgivings in accepting them, challenges faced with both the herd and local communities, lessons learned from individual elephants, and the joys and sorrows he encountered. 2009.

VOICES IN THE OCEAN: A JOURNEY INTO THE WILD AND HAUNTING WORLD OF DOLPHINS by SUSAN CASEY   DB 82327

Recounts author’s two-year global adventure exploring the nature of dolphins and their interactions with humans. Examines the careers of others who work with dolphins and communities in which dolphins play interesting roles. Discusses how they are mistreated by the captivity industry. Commercial audiobook. Some violence, some strong language, and some descriptions of sex. 2010.

TIGER: A TRUE STORY OF VENGEANCE AND SURVIVAL by JOHN VAILLANT      DB 74579
Nature writer follows a government tiger-control team as it pursues an endangered Siberian tiger, which had killed a poacher, through Russia’s far east in the winter of 1997. Explores the beauty of the setting, the tiger’s strength, and the political and geographical forces that shaped this remote region. 2010.

ELEPHANT TALK: THE SURPRISING SCIENCE OF ELEPHANT COMMUNICATION by ANN DOWNER   DB 73966
Discusses elephant evolution, society, and body language. Explains field researchers’ use of observation and high-tech recording equipment to shed light on the role communication plays in the herd. Includes facts about the elephant’s status as an endangered species. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 2011.