The first part of IT'S A WILD LIFE is a memoir of Bud's life and how he went from raising animals in his parents yard to owning a zoo in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with his fiancée Carrie. He struggled for many years working multiple jobs to support the animals, which were often rescues and needed intensive nurturing. He made many personal sacrifices along the way, one of which included a divorce from his first wife.

The second part of the book is dedicated to describing the animals in the zoo, how these animals are acquired, and what it takes to house and feed these animals. Many might think that running a zoo is always fun and adventurous, but Bud shows us that the responsibility he takes for the well-being of these animals has consumed all of his time, money and energy. For example, it is not easy keeping a hippo warm in the winter in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. A special enclosure had to be built and kept at a balmy 85 degrees for Wallace the hippo.

One of the most important themes of the book is the fact that all of the animals are meant to live as animals and are not considered pets. Despite the fact that Bud and Carrie oftentimes must keep animals in their own home to raise as babies and even bottle feed, they are always placed in their own habitats and allowed to be around species of their own kind.

IT'S A WILDLIFE is a realistic, yet heartwarming story of how Bud DeYoung has dedicated his life to the fostering of animals. The ending of the book includes letters from people all over the world who have visited and learned something from Bud. This book appeals to a wide range of readers, from animal lovers, to teachers, to those who just want a feel good story.

Book Summary