Product Description
Of Man and Beast: Further reflections on a life lived with animals
Author: Willie Labuschagne
Format: Trade Paperback
Step behind the scenes of one of the world’s top ten zoological gardens with Willie Labuschagne in his captivating second memoir, Of Man and Beast. As director during a time of intense political change and unprecedented challenges in South Africa, Willie recounts his wild journey with humour, suspense, and unflinching honesty.
From managing the needs of over 9 000 animals during the first-ever massive staff strike, to navigating the intricate politics of acquiring unique species as diplomatic gifts for Nelson Mandela, Willie’s stories are as enlightening as they are entertaining.
He shares thrilling close encounters with wild animals, and the light-hearted moments that make every day in the zoo an adventure. Willie’s experiences extend beyond the zoo’s boundaries – from an intimidating passage through Checkpoint Charlie in 1987 to life-threatening situations in the depths of the Congolese jungle.
His compelling narrative underscores the pivotal and indispensable role zoos play in conservation and discusses their evolution in ‘biological gardens’, inviting readers to understand the crucial importance of controlled breeding in conservation and the preservation of endangered species. Of Man and Beast is not just an account of a man’s life among animals, but a profound look at the responsibilities we share in safeguarding our planet’s diverse inhabitants.
Willie asks readers to reflect on the future of wildlife conservation, poised between the extremes of poaching and habitat destruction. This book is a must-read for anyone passionate about wildlife, conservation, and the extraordinary stories of a man who has dedicated his life to understanding and protecting the natural world.
Join Willie as he leads us through his incredible journey, exploring the complex relationship between man and beast, and the enduring impact of his work on our global ecosystem. Of Man and Beast is an urgent, beautiful homage to the wild connections that bind us all.
About the Author
WILLIE LABUSCHAGNE, author of The Soul of a Lion and Of Man and Beast, is a devoted and internationally celebrated wildlife conservationist and holds a master’s degree in wildlife management. For more than five decades he has been actively involved in the conservation of threatened species for which he has received national and international recognition, culminating in numerous awards. Willie started his career as a zoologist at the Johannesburg Zoological Gardens, and was later promoted to Director. In 1985 he was appointed the Executive Director of the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa. In 1989 he launched the Pan-African Association of Zoological Gardens, Aquaria and Botanic Gardens, and served for six years as chairman. In 1998 he received the PAAZAB Award in recognition of his contribution to the advancement of zoological gardens in Africa. In 1999 Willie was elected president of the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria and in 2007 received the Heini Hediger Award, recognising his contribution to the progression of zoological gardens worldwide. In 2006 Willie took early retirement when he was headhunted by the late His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates, to manage his private Department of Nature Conservation. Willie returned to South Africa permanently in 2015 and has since established a consultancy, Willie Labuschagne Wildlife Consultants, which specialises in zoo development. He now spends his time writing about his experiences and is also much in demand as a speaker.
For custom orders and quotes: shop@schoolspace.co.za
© 2026 Schoolspace. This product description is the exclusive intellectual property of the publisher, protected under copyright law. Unauthorized use, adaption, or copying is strictly prohibited.
