British naturalist, writer, zookeeper, conservationist, and television presenter Gerald Malcolm Durrell OBE inspired many with his wildlife conservation and literacy efforts. Gerald Durrell, born in Jamshedpur, British India, on January 7, 1925, spent his early life between India and England before settling on Corfu, the setting for his beloved book, “My Family and Other Animals.”
Early Life and Family
The fourth child of Louisa Florence Durrell (née Dixie) and Lawrence Samuel Durrell was Gerald. His siblings included famous writers Lawrence, Leslie, and Margaret Durrell. The family went to England after Gerald’s father died in 1928. When Louisa Durrell moved to Corfu in 1935, the family had an ideal existence that Gerald later memorialized in his autobiography.
Career and Achievements
The natural beauty of Corfu and his mother’s encouragement inspired Gerald Durrell’s love of animals as a child. This passion drove him to transform zoos into conservation and education institutions. Gerald founded the Jersey Zoo, now Durrell Wildlife Park, in Saint Helier, Jersey, in 1959. He innovated by breeding endangered species and teaching the public about wildlife conservation.
Gerald founded the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in 1963 to manage the zoo and promote global conservation. His captive breeding and endangered species protection methods have inspired conservation efforts worldwide.
On top of conservation, Durrell wrote almost 40 books full of humor, adventure, and love of nature. “My Family and Other Animals,” his 1956 masterpiece, depicts the Durrell family’s life in Corfu and Gerald’s early adventures.
Personal Life
Gerald Durrell married twice. His first wife was Wolfenden-born Jacqueline Sonia Durrell in 1951. The couple went on animal-collecting adventures, and Jacquie helped found the Jersey Zoo. Later that year, Gerald married Lee McGeorge Durrell after their 1979 divorce. Gerald’s conservation efforts relied on Lee, an American naturalist and author.
Gerald had a complicated family life despite his success. His siblings had become distant by the time of his death on January 30, 1995, therefore none attended his funeral.
Legacy
The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust promotes ecosystem and species conservation via education, scientific research, and international collaboration, continuing Gerald Durrell’s legacy. His bestselling novels teach readers about wildlife and its protection.
FAQ
Did Gerald Durrell marry?
Durrell married twice. He divorced Jacqueline Sonia Durrell in 1979 after marrying her in 1951. Late 1979, he married Lee McGeorge Durrell.
What prevented the Durrells from attending Leslie’s funeral?
Family strife prevented the Durrell siblings from attending Gerald Durrell’s burial. This does not explain their absence from Leslie’s funeral.
What was Gerald Durrell’s famous quote?
Gerald Durrell famously said, “A house is not a home until it has a dog.” This shows his love for animals and their importance in his life.
What’s interesting about Gerald Durrell?
Born in Jamshedpur, India, Gerald Durrell grew up on Corfu. He started Jersey Zoo in 1959 and Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in 1963. Durrell wrote nearly 40 books with humor, adventure, and conservation messages.
Who was Gerald Durrell’s family?
Gerald was born to Louisa and Lawrence Samuel Durrell. His siblings were famed writer Lawrence Durrell, Leslie Durrell, and Margaret Durrell. Gerald memorably illustrated his family dynamics in “My Family and Other Animals.”
How did Gerald Durrell affect conservation?
Gerald Durrell transformed zoos into conservation institutions, reproducing endangered species and teaching environmental education. His methods still shape conservation worldwide.
