Forever the Wild Mare: 55th Anniversary Edition

First published in 1963, this is a special 55th anniversary edition of Forever the Wild Mare, with a foreword by the author’s daughter and photographs of the real-life counterparts who inspired some of the characters in the book-including the wild mare and members of Congress. This exciting, award-winning, groundbreaking, all-age story has helped to stimulate interest in natural habitat zoos, endangered species, Buddhism, prehistoric cave paintings, ways to curb juvenile crime, and respect for nature and animals. Set in the nation’s capital, the book makes excursions into Central Asia and prehistoric Europe. Jebby Andrews, a transplanted junior high student, tries to reconnect with his rural Shenandoah County, Virginia, roots by becoming friends with the lonely Mongolian wild horse at the close-by National Zoo. An endangered species (Equus przewalski), this ancient breed has remained unrideable since days of the prehistoric cave paintings at Lascaux, France. Jebby wants to liberate the mare from her barren paddock and also ride her despite warnings from a wise Tibetan lama and kilted Scottish Central Asian explorer who fear for the boy, who is already being harassed by a gang of delinquent classmates. Jebby continues to seek his twin goals, leading to exciting midnight adventures at the Zoo and Washington’s famed Rock Creek Park. This involves a U.S. senator, his young daughter, a Mongolian yurt, and a Bactrian camel. This fast-paced, well-researched prophetic novel has a timeless, close-to-nature quality. It has brought enthusiastic response from readers of all ages. Its author was a founder of the Friends of the National Zoo and a well known nature and animal protection writer.