Geral Durrell English zoologist and writer Date of Birth: 07.01.1925 Country: Great Britain

Biography of Gerald Durrell

Gerald Durrell was an English zoologist and writer, as well as the founder of a zoo. He spent his childhood on the Greek island of Corfu, where he developed a passion for studying nature. When the Durrell family returned to England, Gerald became an assistant to the curator at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire.

Upon the advice of his older brother, Lawrence Durrell, Gerald decided to write about his love for nature. This led to the publication of his book "The Overloaded Ark" in 1953, which instantly became a bestseller. It was followed by equally popular works such as "Three Tickets to Adventure" (1954), "My Family and Other Animals" (1956), "A Zoo in My Luggage" (1960), "Birds, Beasts and Relatives" (1969), and many others. In total, he wrote over thirty books.

In 1959, Gerald Durrell established a zoo on the island of Jersey, and four years later, the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust was created (which later became the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust). He was actively involved in the organization and, in 1976, an International Training Centre was established under the trust. With Durrell's direct participation, several television films were produced, including "Two in the Bush" (1962), "The Amateur Naturalist" (1983), and "The Durrells in Corfu" (1987).

In recognition of his lifelong efforts in wildlife conservation, Gerald Durrell was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1983.