World Wild Vet: Encounters in the Animal Kingdom

The late Australian zookeeper Steve Irwin inspired a generation of animal lovers, including wildlife veterinarian Antin. Proclaimed “America’s Sexiest Veterinarian” by Forbes, Antin has already amassed a fanbase on Instagram and YouTube, and from the Animal Planet show Evan Goes Wild. It would be easy to dismiss him as another reality star, but his book offers thoughtful messages of responsibility and encouragement alongside entertaining anecdotes from before he was famous. Whether relocating a giant monitor lizard that was terrorizing a village or rescuing abandoned kittens in Tahiti, Antin admits some early exploits are questionable (such as stowing a crocodile in a rental car while getting his camera equipment), and preaches safety and conservation. For example, he explains handling dangerous creatures without hurting them, as well as the importance of educating people so they are not afraid or ignorant of these animals’ attributes. He also suggests appropriate responses on social media to curb bad behavior from those who could cause harm, like poachers.