thought that the best way to study a bird up close was to shoot it out of a tree.
It is hard to believe how far we have come in ethical and environmental awareness
in less than a century, and Kohts's honest and revealing account brings this home
in a way that may disturb, but should not surprise.

At times, Kohts complains that she has become a willing slave to her young
“despot, ” showing that she had a strong urge to satisfy Joni's every need and
demand. In a context of great affection and mutual attachment, she gathered
information that was appreciated before behaviorism came along and is appreci-
ated once more now that behaviorism is in its dying days. The doors to cognition
are open again, and Kohts's free discussion of Joni's artistic impulses, imitations,
deceptions, and social emotions makes the book a very modern read indeed. The
tone of her writing conveys the wonder felt by all of us who work with creatures
so similar to us and yet so different at the same time.

Atlanta, Georgia
January 2000

Frans B. M. de Waal

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