With Humor and Candor, Brandie Smith Reveals What It Takes To Save the World’s Favorite Bear; Book Proceeds Support Giant Panda Conservation
Dr. Brandie Smith knows giant pandas in a way few people ever will. Now, the John and Adrienne Mars Director of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) is sharing surprising and little-known stories about the nation’s most beloved panda family and the decades-long effort to save giant pandas from extinction. Published by Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, In the Company of Pandas: My Life with the World’s Favorite Bear is available for preorder now through major online retailers and goes on sale Tuesday, Nov. 10, in hardcover, eBook and audiobook formats. Proceeds from the book support the NZCBI’s giant panda conservation program.
In the Company of Pandas: My Life with the World’s Favorite Bear takes readers behind the scenes of caring for three generations of giant panda cele-bear-ities, revealing their distinct personalities, quirks and habits. With humor, candor and firsthand experience, Smith dispels common misconceptions; makes the fascinating science of panda breeding, biology and evolution accessible; and reveals what it really takes to care for these extraordinary animals. From raising panda cubs to navigating the diplomacy involved in bringing pandas from China to Washington, D.C., Smith reveals how science, international collaboration and dedicated animal care have helped change the future of giant pandas—and why continued conservation efforts remain essential.
Smith will celebrate In the Company of Pandas’ official publication day, Tuesday, Nov. 10, with a ticketed book talk at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Tickets are $10. Attendees who purchase the book in advance for $30 will receive an autographed copy at the event.
About the Author
Smith draws on decades of experience in animal care, conservation and zoo management. She has overseen critical breeding programs for endangered species and witnessed some of the most dramatic moments in panda conservation history. Originally from Indiana, Pennsylvania, she grew up around animals and began her professional career as an intern at the Pittsburgh Zoo and NZCBI. Today, she leads one of the world’s premier zoological and research institutions in its mission to save global biodiversity.
Early Praise for In the Company of Pandas
“Cheerful and enlightening…Panda fans will be delighted…A sparkling account of caring for beloved bears.”—Kirkus Reviews
“[Smith’s] passion for the creatures shines throughout. Animal lovers will find much to appreciate.”
—Publishers Weekly
Product Details
Title: In the Company of Pandas
Author: Brandie Smith
Publisher: Atria Books
ISBN: 978-1-66802-772-1
Retail Price: $30.00
Formats: Hardcover, eBook and unabridged audiobook
Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI)
NZCBI leads the Smithsonian’s global effort to save species, better understand ecosystems and train future generations of conservationists. Its two campuses are home to more than 2,200 animals, including some of the world’s most critically endangered species. Always free of charge, the Zoo’s 163-acre park in the heart of Washington, D.C., features animals representing 400 species and is a popular destination for children and families. At the Conservation Biology Institute’s 3,200-acre campus in Virginia, breeding and veterinary research on nearly 250 animals representing 20 species provide critical data for the management of animals in human care and valuable insights for conservation of wild populations. NZCBI’s 305 staff and scientists work in Washington, D.C., Virginia and with partners at field sites across the United States and in more than 45 countries to save wildlife, collaborate with communities and conserve native habitats. NZCBI is a long-standing accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.