Born to Be Wild allows a close look at gorillas, giraffes, hippos, and tigers in places as far flung as Copenhagen, Cincinnati, the Congo, and the wilds of Toronto. The writing is elegant, the research impeccable, but it's Westoll's mind, his willingness to wrestle with the ethics of captivity, that makes this book so incredibly special. To read it is to go on a grand adventure to the heart of the most important question-what does it mean to be truly alive?

Claire Cameron, award-winning author, "How to Survive a Bear Attack"

A deeply thought-provoking look at one of humanity's strangest inventions. Westoll's empathy for animals, and his transcendent pleasure in connecting with them, come through on every page. Read this before your next trip to the zoo.

Emma Marris, award-winning author, "Wild Souls"

An honest and elegant travelogue. . . . Westoll argues, through extensive reporting and unflinching reflection, that the future of zoos must embrace a kind of radical explicitness and not obfuscate the limitations and consequences of what happens within.

The Walrus