Gerald Durrell

Date of Birth: January 7, 1925

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: January 30, 1995

Biography

Gerald Malcolm Durrell was a renowned British writer, naturalist, zookeeper, conservationist, and television presenter. Born in Jamshedpur, British India, Durrell’s family moved to England when he was still a baby. After the death of his father, his family relocated to the Greek island of Corfu, where Durrell’s interest in animals and nature blossomed. Durrell is best known for his autobiographical books that detail his life and experiences with animals, particularly “My Family and Other Animals,” which is part of the Corfu Trilogy. His writing is noted for its wit, humor, and vivid descriptions of both people and wildlife. Durrell’s passion for conservation led him to establish the Jersey Zoological Park (now Durrell Wildlife Park) in 1959, which focuses on the breeding and reintroduction of endangered species. Throughout his career, Durrell authored over 30 books and numerous articles, and he became a popular figure on television, bringing wildlife and conservation issues to a broad audience.

5 Interesting Facts about Gerald Durrell

1. Gerald Durrell founded the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in 1963, which continues to operate and support endangered species around the world.

2. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1982 for his services to conservation.

3. Durrell’s first book, “The Overloaded Ark,” was published in 1953 and became an instant success.

4. He was the younger brother of the famous novelist Lawrence Durrell.

5. Durrell’s work has inspired numerous documentaries and TV series, furthering public interest in wildlife conservation.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gerald Durrell

1. “The world is as delicate and as complicated as a spider’s web, and like a spider’s web, if you touch one thread, you send shudders running through all the other threads that make up the whole.”

2. “A house is not a home until it has a dog.”

3. “The zoo is the one place where humans are not the top of the food chain.”

4. “Conservation is not merely a question of morality, but a question of our own survival.”

5. “Animals are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Gerald Durrell’s highest net worth was estimated at around $10 million, primarily derived from his successful writing career, television appearances, and his work with the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.