The Aye-Aye and I: Rescue Expedition in Madagascar

In the gloom it came along the branches towards me, its round, hypnotic eyes blazing, its spoon-like ears turning to and fro independently like radar dishes.... I had had my first encounter with an aye-aye and I decided that this was one of the most incredible creatures I had ever been privileged to meet. Madagascar, in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa, is one of the most fascinating islands in the world. It is home to five per cent of the world's plant and animal species. Ninety per cent of its flora and fauna are found nowhere else in the world. But when Gerald Durrell visited, creatures like the aye-aye were in danger of vanishing. So Gerald Durrell decided to undertake a rescue mission. This is the tale of his hunt for the aye-aye, and the adventures he had.