Book review: Stolen World by Jennie Erin Smith

Recently at CFZ Australia HQ we took possession of this interesting new book by journalist Jennie Erin Smith - Stolen World - which deals with the worldwide trade in illegal animal smuggling.

It's an engrossing read and we knocked it over in three days!

The book profiles many of the colourful rogues associated with this evil trade, and highlights the links between these cold-blooded criminals and many of the world's leading zoos.

Many of these smugglers share the obsessive traits frequently attributed to cryptozoologists - a burning desire to obtain these animals, and a passion for the hunt - but their intentions are in no way noble.

Smith does a fine job of lifting the lid on the world of smuggling and skulduggery, after spending 10 years on the track of some of the world's biggest reptiles (and not the animal kind!).

You'll be appalled as you read it, but you'll also want to applaud the author's tenacity. A 10 out of 10, and a must for every naturalist's bookshelf.