Earth Day is celebrated around the world every year on April 22nd is a day to focus on the need to protect our planet. With increasing threats like climate change, pollution and habitat destruction, Earth Day focuses on awareness and action to protect the earth and save wildlife.

Traveling and tourism actually have a major impact on protecting the Earth and there are a few ways we can help, we can:

• minimize our carbon footprint by choosing eco-friendly transportation (like public transportation)
• support local business and communities (you know I’m a fan of this one)
• conserve water and energy whenever possible
• reduce waste (carry that reusable water bottle–this one is my favorite!)
• research tour operators and choose ones that are committed to environmental conservation

And, we can respect wildlife and their natural habitats. This can be a hot topic in the tourism industry as observing and interacting with animals is often billed as tourist attraction.

Below are ten wildlife books and ten wildlife movies from around the world. Many have conservation-type themes about people working to save animals and their habitats, but admittedly a few are just fun ones about animals traveling (this is a travel page, too after all). 🙂

Ten Wildlife Books

All the Way to the Tigers

After a challenging accident and months of recuperation, Mary Morris set out on a trip to India in search of solace, self-discovery, and…tigers. In this memoir, she captures India’s vibrant landscapes and rich cultural history, from bustling cities to remote villages. She does find those tigers and she also finds spiritual revelations and human connection. It’s the power of the natural world and Morris believes very much in tiger conservation and ensuring their natural habitats are kept safe.

Beastly Journeys: Unusual Tales of Travel with Animals

Beastly Journeys: Unusual Tales of Travel with Animals is a collection of short stories (all true!) about people traveling with animals. From elephants navigating treacherous terrains to pigeons carrying life-saving messages, the book uncovers extraordinary partnerships between humans and creatures. Each story offers a unique perspective on travel, exploring the deep bonds formed between species and the challenges faced on unconventional journeys. Through vivid narratives, Beastly Journeys celebrates the resilience, intelligence, and remarkable abilities of our animal companions.

How the Penguins Saved Veronica

This heartwarming tale is about a grumpy 85-year-old woman, Veronica McCreedy, who, after watching a TV documentary, believes that she wants to leave her fortune to the penguins of Antarctica. Through vivid descriptions, Prior transports readers to the icy landscapes of Antarctica, immersing them in its breathtaking beauty and harsh realities. The penguins serve as both companions and catalysts for Veronica’s personal growth, illustrating the transformative power of connection and nature in the most unexpected places.

Note from Jen: I read this book a few years ago and was surprised at the sweet story; it may ot completely fit with the theme of being a wildlife book, but it does have a conservation theme and it is an uplifting story. Read my review of How the Penguins Saved Veronica to learn more about what I thought.

Nala’s World: One Man, His Rescue Cat, and a Bike Ride Around the Globe

In 2018, Dean Nicholson, a Scotsman, decided to cycle around the world. It was going to be a test of his physical endurance, a chance to see the world, and a way to escape the monotony of his daily life. Somewhere in the mountains of Bosnia, Dean heard a little “meow” that changed his life forever. It was a kitten; and while Dean only intended to move the kitten to protect her from predators, the two quickly became inseparable and Nala (named after Simba’s friend in The Lion King) became Dean’s new traveling companion and the two became a viral internet sensation as they traversed the world. This book tells their story.

The Call of the Wild

The Call of the Wild is a classic for a reason. And it’s a popular choice for young readers because it’s an adventure story that keeps their attention. The main character is Buck, a dog living an easy life in California who is kidnapped (dog-napped?) and taken to Canada to be a sled dog in the harsh Yukon Territory. The book definitely needs a trigger word for animal abuse, but the descriptions of untamed landscape and breathtaking scenery will really transport you. (There’s also a movie from 2020 with Harrison Ford, a 2009 one with Christopher Lloyd, a 1993 one with Rick Schroder, a 1972 one with Charlton Heston, a 1935 one with Clark Gable, and a TV show from 2000.)

The Last Flight of the Scarlet Macaw: One Woman’s Fight to Save the World’s Most Beautiful Bird

This true story of Sharon Matola and how she and others tirelessly worked to prevent a dam from being built in Belize is a compelling exploration of environmental justice. Barcott intricately weaves together the plight of the scarlet macaw and other native animals with the struggles of local communities against corporate interests. Against the vivid backdrop of Belize’s diverse ecosystems, he exposes the destructive impacts of deforestation and development. There is a lot of history, a lot of facts, and a lot of reminders of just how important preservation is.

Note from Jen: I read this book before/during my trip to Belize and learned so much. I was especially grateful when my travel buddies were willing to go visit the Belize Zoo started by Sharon and mentioned throughout the book. (And trust me, once you see the lush jungles of Belize, you’ll be so glad they worked so hard.). Learn more in my review of The Last Flight of the Scarlet Macaw. And if you’re looking for a great tour in Belize that includes the Zoo, this one is highight recommended: Maya Sites, Wildlife, Kayaking, Zipline.

The Puma Years: A Memoir

In this memoir, Laura tell us how she found herself volunteering at a Bolivian wildlife refuge and how that experience changed her, changed her life, and led her on a mission to change the world. She doesn’t sugarcoat the experience—it’s a tough life and the living conditions can be…shocking. But it’s a reminder that getting out of your comfort zone, exploring the world around you, and letting go of first-world comforts while doing something good for the world can be just what you (and the world) really need.

Note from Jen: This is a wildlife book that will stick with you for a while–although there are some parts that seem a little slow and I sometimes wasn’t sure where some of the stories were going, it’s still a powerful book.

West With Giraffes: A Novel

Inspired by true events, West with Giraffes is the story of two giraffes who traveled across America in the 1930s during the Great Depression. The giraffes are traveling from New York to California to be the first giraffes in the San Diego Zoo. While the story is more about the diverse characters the giraffes meet along the way, than the animals themselves, it’s an inspiring story of adventure, hope, and friendship.

Whatever You Do, Don’t Run: True Stories of a Botswana Safari Guide

Whatever You Do, Don’t Run is much more than just a wildlife book. It’s a collection of hilarious stories from Peter Allison, a young Australian who discovered the beauty of the Okavango Delta in Botswana while on vacation and decided to upend his life and become a safari guide. He shares a wide variety of his adventures with a great sense of humor, an obvious love and respect for animals and honest insight into the glamourous-and-not-so-glamorous life as a safari guide. You’ll learn a lot about animals, Botswana, and life out in the “African Oasis.”

Note from Jen: I love both this book and its sequel, Don’t Look Behind You: A Safari Guide’s Encounters with Ravenous Lions, Stampeding Elephants, and Lovesick Rhinos, and consider them both part of the Travel Books and Movies “origin story” as I read them after my own safari trip to East Africa. Check out my original review of Whatever You Do, Don’t Run (written something like 15 years ago and it still sticks with me!). It’s also included on my list of Funny Travel Books and Funny Travel Movies.

When Eagles Roar: The Amazing Journey of an African WIldlife Adventurer

This book received a lot of recognition—both from travel magazines (National Geographic had it on a “Read Before You Go” list) and from nature magazines (Birder’s Library said it was a “Book of the Year”), so of course I had to include it on this list. It’s a memoir that takes us into Africa’s wilderness, where the author chronicles his many encounters with animals, from lions to elephants, and breathtaking landscapes. It’s not just adventure, though, the book also delves into the urgent need for conservation efforts, shedding light on the threats facing Africa’s wildlife. It’s a compelling narrative that celebrates the beauty of nature while advocating for its protection and preservation.

Honorable Mention Wildlife Books:

• A Sailor, A Chicken, An Incredible Voyage: The Seafaring Adventures of Guirec and Monique by Guirec Soudee
• Arthur: The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home by Mikael Lindnord
• The Cat with Three Passports: What a Japanese Cat Taught Me About an Old Culture and New Beginnings by CJ Fentiman

Bonus Wildlife Books for Children:

• If You Take Away the Otter by Susannah Buhrman-Deever and Matthew Trueman
• The Hen Who Sailed Around the World: A True Story by Guirec Soudée (This is the children’s version of the book mentioned in the Honorable Mentions list above–could be a fun activity for a family to read together.)
• Rewilding: Bringing Wildlife Back Where It Belongs by David A. Steen and Neon Squid
• Where Do Animals Go for Vacation by Steve A. Erickson

Check out my Bookshop List of Wildlife Conservation and Animals Traveling Books to find them all in one place!

Ten Wildlife Movies

Born Free (1966)

Born Free is based on a book by Joy Adamson that tells the story of how she and her husband, George, raised an orphaned lion cub, Elsa, in Kenya. As Elsa matures, they face the challenge of reintegrating her into the wild. The film captures their bond and dedication to conservation, showcasing the beauty of African landscapes. It’s a poignant tale of love, loss, and the importance of wildlife preservation. The film won several awards (especially for its score) and there were several books and sequels to tell more of the story.

Note from Jen: You can “follow in the Adamson’s footsteps” while visiting Kenya and stay in Elsa’s Kopje Camp in Meru National Park where Elsa’s descendants now roam. This is also part of the Travel Books and Movies origin story as it all happened on that trip to East Africa. If you want to see Elsamere for yourself, consider this day trip from Nairobi.

Never Cry Wolf (1983)

Never Cry Wolf follows a biologist (played by Charles Martin Smith), sent to study wolves in the Arctic wilderness. Amidst stunning landscapes, he discovers the intricate balance of nature. Observing the wolves (and their relationships with the caribou population in particular), he realizes their role in maintaining ecosystems. The film emphasizes conservation, highlighting the delicate relationship between humans and wildlife. Set against the backdrop of pristine wilderness, it champions understanding and preservation of the natural world.

Gorillas in the Mist (1988)

Gorillas in the Mist is a powerful biographical drama–it was nominated for 5 Oscars and won 2 (Sigourney Weaver won for Best Actress and the movie won for Best Original Score). It tells the story of primatologist Dian Fossey and her work with mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Against the backdrop of lush African landscapes, the film vividly portrays the beauty and fragility of these majestic creatures. It emphasizes Fossey’s dedication to conservation, shedding light on the importance of protecting endangered species and their habitats.

Note from Jen: I was fortunate to go see silverback gorillas in the Congo about fifteen years ago–they really are magical creatures, but this is one where you really do want to be careful and do a lot of research when selecting your tour providers. I will also add that Dian Fossey was a little controversial; reading her life story is pretty fascinating.

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)

Based on a novel of the same name by Sheila Burnford, Homeward Bound has long been a family favorite. With the voices of Michael J. Fox, Sally Field, and Don Ameche, it’s the heartwarming adventure film that follows the journey of two dogs and a cat as they trek across the rugged wilderness to reunite with their family. Set against the stunning backdrop of the American Northwest, the film celebrates the bonds of friendship and loyalty while showcasing the beauty and challenges of nature.

Note from Jen: I recognize that calling Homeward Bound a “wildlife movie” might be a bit of a stretch, but it’s still a good movie and reminds us how important animals are and shows us the beauty of the United States.

The Amazing Panda Adventure (1995)

The Amazing Panda Adventure follows Ryan, a young American boy who travels to China to visit his father, a panda researcher. When a poacher captures a rare baby panda, Ryan embarks on a daring journey through the Chinese wilderness to rescue it. Along the way, he learns about the importance of conservation and forms a deep bond with the pandas.

Fly Away Home (1996)

Fly Away Home is a heartwarming tale of a girl (played by Anna Paquin) and her estranged father (played by Jeff Daniels) who adopts a flock of orphaned geese and teaches them to migrate using ultralight aircraft. Set amidst the picturesque landscapes of Canada, the film celebrates the beauty of nature and the resilience of wildlife. It’s based on a true story and a book by William Lishman called Father Goose: One Man, a Gaggle of Geese, and Their Real Life Incredible Journey South.

Two Brothers (2004)

Set in the 1920s, Two Brothers is a captivating film that follows the lives of two tiger cubs in the lush jungles of French Indochina (which is now Cambodia). Set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty, the movie explores the bond between the siblings as they navigate the challenges of survival. It showcases the beatiful jungle scenery, immersing viewers in a world of wonder…and danger.

March of the Penguins (2005)

This Oscar-winning March of the Penguins is actually a French documentary about the journey of Emperor penguins in Antarctica and is one of the most well-known wildlife movies in recent years. Through stunning cinematography, it highlights the challenges they face, emphasizing the importance of nature conservation. The film offers a poignant reminder of the resilience of wildlife in harsh environments and the need to protect their habitats for future generations. It’s a favorite for all ages.

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2011)

Starring Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is a charming film that blends comedy, romance, and adventure. Set against the scenic Yemeni landscape (though it actually was filmed in Morocco), the movie is about an eccentric sheik’s dream to introduce salmon fishing to the desert. It’s a quirky premise with endearing characters, and ends up being an uplifting movie. (Although the movie is based on a book of the same name by Paul Torday, it is quite different.)

Note from Jen: This has always been a sleeper favorite for me–it’s sweet, subtle and just makes you feel good.

Into the Okavango (2018)

This documentary about a team of explorers (a conservation biologist, a river bushman, and a young scientist) on an expedition in the heart of Africa’s Okavango Delta won a lot of awards. The three study the landscapes, wildlife, ecological significance, and the threats it faces. Through captivating visuals and intimate encounters with wildlife, the film showcases the beauty of nature while highlighting the importance of conservation efforts in preserving this unique ecosystem.

Honorable Mention Wildlife Movies:

• Duma (2005)
• Life of Pi (2012)

Bonus Wildlife Movies for Kids:

• Madagascar (2005)
• Hotel for Dogs (2009)
• Rio (2011)
• The Journey Home (2014)

**I receive a small portion of any purchases made directly from links on this site. Thanks for fueling my reading, watching, and traveling!