A well-known English zoologist, who devoted his life to the protection of rare species of animals, shares his impressions obtained during the first years of his travels in West Africa and South America. He talks about the habitat of animals, about the peculiarities of their behavior of mating games, housing buildings, hunting, caring for offspring, etc. d. The author made all his observations using the help of the local population, with whom he developed the most friendly relations. Subtle humor, love for nature, good relations with people pass a red thread through all the stories of the author. The name Gerald Darrell is well known from his books, the first of which - "My Family and Animals" - was released in 1971. , and from his films shot during a trip to our country. This book contains stories in which the author described his first steps in the field of a professional naturalist, a zoologist engaged mainly in the study of animals in their natural habitat. Starting with the creation of a zoological corner at home, Darrell did a great job of catching rare species of animals in various parts of the world. His goal has always been and remains the preservation of the wealth of the animal world on our Earth.