Just Like Us

Name: Just Like Us
Rating: 4.4 (5 reviews)
ISBN: 9781954854321

By Rick Quinn & Jane Goodall

Publisher Description

“Outstanding photography! This book is a valuable contribution to the public’s understanding of our remarkable ‘near relatives.’” —Robert Bateman, wildlife painter and environmental icon

“Just Like Us is an entertaining and informative read that illustrates how one ordinary person can be a catalyst for positive change.” —Jane Goodall, primatologist and bestselling author

"Just Like Us will be a classic and is a must read. The book adds much to what we can learn about ourselves. A beautifully written adventure with great apes, with some of the most difficult and stunning photographs of the great apes ever made." —Thomas Mangelsen, award-winning nature and wildlife photographer and conservationist

A stirring account of hope and survival for the planet's endangered great ape species.

For most of his life, veterinarian Rick Quinn ignored a deep longing to meaningfully protect the endangered animals that fascinated him. Then one day, he read two magazine clippings about the great apes and knew it was time to set aside excuses and find the means to help. Armed with his camera and an insatiable curiosity, Dr. Quinn set off for the front lines of great ape conservation.

Just Like Us is a gorgeous tribute to our not-too-distant relatives as well as the courageous people who are risking their lives to protect them.

In this remarkable memoir, we follow Dr. Quinn’s seven-year journey across seven African countries and Indonesia, where he photographed each great ape species in its natural habitat. Using inspiring stories juxtaposed with stunning photographs, he illuminates the threats to great ape survival as well as the complexity of saving them. The result delivers an empathetic sense that these magnificent beings really are—strikingly so—just like us.

The author will donate all proceeds of your book purchase to Docs4GreatApes.

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Just Like Us Reviews

4.0

E. Stokes

Created over 1 year ago

“Part memoir, part ape conservation facts, with the thesis that in order to protect vulnerable wildlife, we must also protect the vulnerable humans who live near them.”

Educational Thought-provoking Clear thesis

MeShell

Created almost 3 years ago

Courtney Myles

Created over 4 years ago

Rosh

Created over 5 years ago

“Just look at those soulful eyes and mischievous smile peering at you from the cover. The minute I saw that face, I knew I would go for this book. And what an experience it has been! Dr. Rick Quinn is a 60 year old Canadian practising as a vet for most of his adult life. After reading two magazine articles about the great apes, he decided to bring together his qualification – he’s a veterinarian ophthalmologist, his hobby – he loves photography, and his passion – he has had a lifelong desire to do something for animal conservation. He decided to photograph all great ape species and journal his experiences. The culmination of his efforts is this book – an informative tome about our closest relatives on this planet, the great apes. Dr. Quinn’s pet project is his charity named “Docs4GreatApes”, which aims “to improve the health of Great Ape populations, the communities that surround them, and the ecosystem that we share”. The entire proceeds of this book will go to the Wildlife ConserVet Education Program managed by Docs4GreatApes. Spanning seven years of travel to seven African countries and Indonesia, the book provides a glimpse into the world of the great apes, the forests they inhabit, the people around them, and the various conservation and rehabilitation centres in those areas that strive so hard to ensure that endangered species don’t turn into extinct species. Also included is the work done by a volunteer medical team named Gorilla Doctors, a group of veterinarians who do exactly what their title suggests: provide medical service to wild apes. Their stories are astounding and inspiring. The information on all types of apes is given in a riveting manner. Be it the various types of gorillas, or orangutans, bonobos or mandrills, the book doesn’t stop at listing out their zoological details but also attempts to offer a glimpse into their emotions, their habits and their lifestyles. The details are very insightful, and can make you terribly emotional at times. Chimpanzees and bonobos are our closest living relatives, sharing an astonishing 98.4 percent of our DNA. Gorillas and orangutans follow closely behind, with 97.7 percent and 96.4 percent similarity in DNA, respectively. Is it any wonder then at just how many common traits we have across our species? Dr. Quinn emphasizes not just on animal welfare but also on building community-centred conservation organizations. After all, man and beast are in this together. And both of us need each other to ensure a sustainable future. As one line from the book says, “Our fates are intertwined. Any sustainable and meaningful measure to help great apes needs to improve the well-being of the people with whom they share their environment—people, many of whom do not have the power, voice, or means to be heard. They, too, deserve better.” Though broaching a serious topic, Dr. Quinn balances out the gravitas with his humour. His jovial approach is reminiscent of Sir David Attenborough, and many sections in this book brought to my mind Sir Attenborough’s “Adventures of a Young Naturalist”. The writing is straightforward, humble, sincere, funny and thorough. Truly, the journey of how Dr. Quinn transitioned from a practising vet in Canada to an active conservationist is remarkable and laudable. What makes the book worth it is not the information and personal experience alone but the magnificent pictures accompanying it. I'm not that much of an ape person but oh my, the photos almost turned me into one! Every single photograph offers a glimpse into how many parallels run between the great apes and our species. I went through the whole book twice; the second time around was just to stare at each and every image to my heart’s content. I will end with a quote by Jane Goodall, who has also written the foreword for this book: “Only if we understand, can we care. Only if we care, we will help. Only if we help, we shall be saved.” Thank you, NetGalley and Girl Friday Productions, for the Advanced Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. *********************** Join me on the Facebook group, https://www.facebook.com/groups/WeAreReadersForever , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun. Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RoshReviews/”

Jennifer Hottinger

Created over 5 years ago

About Rick Quinn

Avid wildlife photographer and founding director of Docs4GreatApes, Dr. Rick Quinn serves on both the Canadian and global boards of the Jane Goodall Institute. His veterinary career includes ten years in general practice, training as a veterinary ophthalmologist, and working in a specialty practice managing eye problems in his animal patients. Rick has taught veterinary undergraduate and graduate students and residents. He continues to lecture globally about veterinary ophthalmology and great ape conservation. Rick and his wife, Diane, a family doctor, have raised four children. They live in Ontario, Canada.

Other books by Rick Quinn

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Jane Goodall

Primatologist and anthropologist Dame Jane Morris Goodall DBE is considered to be the world's foremost expert on chimpanzees. Goodall is best known for her sixty-year study of social and family interactions of wild chimpanzees since she first went to Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania in 1960. She is the founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and the Roots & Shoots program, and she has worked extensively on conservation and animal welfare issues. She has served on the board of the Nonhuman Rights Project since its founding in 1996. In April 2002, she was named a UN Messenger of Peace. Goodall is an honorary member of the World Future Council. Goodall is the author of numerous books, including In the Shadow of Man and Reason for Hope.