I really liked this book. It was the first Animal Ark book I've read where Mandy and James fight! I've read a lot of books in this series, so it was an exciting and interesting change of pace to have conflict between them. It was really sad to read about the "laws of nature" and although I know it's for the best, it just breaks my heart to think about having to let an animal die/suffer because we aren't supposed to interfere with nature. I was really relieved when they decided to save the mother and baby giraffes anyways.

I'm starting to realize (just finally starting to realize, maybe I'm a little slow here...) just how unrealistic some of these books are, though. In real life you might have that once-in-a-lifetime chance to connect with a wild animal, you may even develop a special bond with one.... Once. Maybe twice. But that's like a huuuuuge deal, right? 'Cause wild animals are *wild* and aren't going to instantly trust humans. And yet Mandy *always* bonds with the wild animals, always has a "special touch" with them, no matter the situation or what kind of animal. There are horse whisperers, dog whisperers, etc, but I've never heard of anyone in real life that can connect with ALL wild animals like this. ( )