Gerald Durrell investigates the urgent necessity of preserving Madagascar's unique and endangered wildlife through a focused rescue expedition. Drawing upon his extensive experience as a naturalist and founder of the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust, Durrell documents the logistical and biological challenges of capturing and breeding rare species. The text serves as both a travelogue and a scientific argument for the role of captive breeding programs in preventing extinction.

This work is regarded as a characteristic example of Durrell's accessible, humorous, and deeply committed approach to natural history writing. The narrative provides a clear window into the complexities of international conservation efforts during the late twentieth century.