In her new book,Erna Walraven draws on decades of experience with animals to challenge the myths that have long caged women.Elizabeth Spiegelshares her thoughts on Hear Me Roar.
WHEN AUTHORErna Walravenbecame one of the first female zookeepers in Australia, her male co-workers atTarongatold her the job was too hard and dangerous for a woman and proceeded to bully her by making the job harder and more dangerous than it needed to be.
Hear Me Roaris, first of all, the story of Ernas career at the zoo, rising from the lone woman working with the animals at Taronga to senior curator of both the Sydney zoo and its sister campus at Dubbo. By the time she retired (she continues to work as a consultant, lecturer and author), the old guard who resented her presence was long gone, and the mix of staff was much more balanced.
Fascinating though Ernas career has been, this book is more than just a memoir. Chapter by chapter, she addresses a series of stereotypes about the behaviour of female animals that have been used to justify limitations on human women. In addition to her own experience at the zoo, Erna draws on the experiences of researchers across the globe working with a wide range of animals.
Animal behaviour can indeed be used to shed light on human behaviour, so it needs to be observed accurately and analysed objectively. Female animals, it turns out, can be leaders; they can nurture offspring, or hand the job to others; they can use sex both with males and other females to encourage social bonds; and can build alliances among their peers and relatives.
It turns out that, asYuval Noah Harariput it: Biology enables, culture forbids.
Hear Me Roar by Erna Walraven is published bySimon and Schuster.
This book was reviewed by an IA Book Club member.If you would like to receivefreehigh-quality books and have your reviewpublishedon IA,subscribeto receive yourcomplimentaryIA Book Club membership.
Elizabeth Spiegelis a freelance editor and retired public servant.
Related Articles
- 'Southern Frontier': Australias cold pursuit of empire and identity
- The Existential Playbook promises purpose but at a price
- BOOK REVIEW: 'Truth Abandoned' misses the mark on trans issues
- The life and crimes of Australia's most daring fugitive
- The Tetralogy of Jono is now complete
