In the Shadow of Man

If you like Jane Goodall, you do not want to miss this book!

In the Shadow of Man is a book about how Jane Goodall started with her chimpanzee observation project and the progresses made during the years. It was interesting to see the ideas and efforts she made in observing the primates, using feeding stations to bring chimpanzees to her, aside from observing them in their natural habitat with their natural behaviors. There were some controversies with the use of feeding stations, which many argued that it disrupted the chimpanzees’ normal feeding patterns and behaviors, thus would not show accurate data. However, her work remained invaluable to the scientific community and no one can argue her contribution.

Goodall also developed deep personal feelings towards the chimpanzees, giving them names instead of numbers according guidelines. She was especially devastated when an epidemic hit the chimpanzees and was forced to put down one of her favorites as the disability caused was too severe but physically and mentally.

Aside from her work, she also mentioned about her family, including her mother, her husband who was working with her as a cameraman on behalf of The National Geographic and her son, albeit very briefly.

I’ve always like reading books about animals and it’s no surprise that I like this book too. I bought books written by James Herriot and Jon Katz and I really looking forward to read those. But not before I finish reading my current book, The Last Seven Months of Anne Frank.