Despite the lack of scientific evidence to support her claim, Von Kreisler (The Compassion of Animals), whom Masson (When Elephants Weep) describes as "among the leaders in a growing field of scholarship," argues that animals do not only act instinctively, they are also capable of making conscious—even moral—choices. To prove her point, she offers scores of extraordinary anecdotes in which animals from dogs to elephants to chimpanzees to fish demonstrate eight clearly identifiable virtues that are usually only ascribed to humans, arguing that these traits—sensitivity, compassion, courage, loyalty, fortitude, cooperation, resourcefulness and generosity—are actually "extensions of the same life force" that extends throughout the animal kingdom. One of the most touching tales is about a pair of Canadian geese crossing a busy highway. The female had been hit by a car, and the male "spread his wings around her so protectively that Frisch [the national coordinator for the Coalition to Protect Canadian Geese who came upon them] could scarcely see her." As cars continued to speed past, the gander risked his life by choosing to stay with his companion. According to Frisch, he was absolutely unyielding. Although some readers might wish for fewer and more in-depth stories (we never learn, for example, if the geese survive), this is a feel-good overview of animals' heroic deeds. Animal lovers of all ages, particularly those who have not read other books of this sort, will eagerly welcome this charming study. Photos. Agent, Sally Wofford-Girand. (May 7)
