WildLives: 50 Extraordinary Animals that Made History

WildLives: 50 Extraordinary Animals that Made History

Ben Lerwill

Sarah Walsh

Nosy Crow, 2025

112pp., pbk., RRP $A27.99

9781788007351

There are more than 1 000 000 species of animals that have been identified on the planet, ranging from the smallest tiddlers in the shallows of the pond to the largest beasts that roam the jungles. While each is fascinating, there are some individuals who have lived outstanding lives, making an incredible contribution to their species or ours.  

In this collection of true stories, the lives of 50 remarkable creatures are documented and celebrated.  Among them, there is the story of Cher Ami, a pigeon who saved soldiers’ lives in World War 1 ( a story echoed in On Gallant Wings); Ozy who showed the staff at the Island Bay Marine Research Centre in Wellington, New Zealand, just how intelligent an octopus is; and, of course, the legendary Duffy, the donkey who assisted Simpson at Gallipoli.

Divided into sections of Rescue & Protect; Adventure & explore. Change & Solve; Discover & Pioneer, and Inspire & Influence, reflecting the nature of the animal’s significance, each story has an illustrated double spread with information that is easy to read and gives enough information to not only satisfy curiosity but also inspire further investigation.  

While some animals are recognised by awards like the Dickin Medal for bravery and courage, there are so many more that make people’s lives better but whose own go unnoticed – even the companion dog who safely guides the sight-impaired or is the reason someone gets out of bed in the morning, has a story to tell.  This book could be the starting point to investigating those.