‘He wouldn’t hurt a fly – literally’: remembering Gerald Durrell at 100

The beloved conservationist, who died in 1995, would have turned 100 today. A new collection, Myself and Other Animals, traces the origins of his lifelong rapture with animals

As a toddler, Gerald Durrell was on a walk when he peered over the side of the road and spotted two creatures. “They were gently sliding over each other in what looked like a dance. They were a pale coffee colour with black, ridged stripes. They were glutinous and beautiful”.

This rather flattering description of two slugs writhing in a ditch opens a new collection of writings by the beloved conservationist, who died in 1995 and would have turned 100 today, and it sets the tone for the book: all animals should be considered miraculous, conventional looks aside.

Topics

Justin Trudeau’s Trying to Save His Party. Is He Hurting Canada?

By suspending Parliament and promising to resign, the prime minister bought the Liberals time. But Canada will now face Donald J. Trump with a lame duck in charge.
The New York Times - 14h
Remembering Jimmy Carter: "He really meant a lot to people around here"

The state funeral began Saturday in Georgia for former President Jimmy Carter, who died last week at the age of 100. Mark Strassmann reports from Carter's hometown of Plains.
CBS News - 2d
'Literally don't care': Redick responds to Barkley's job security comments

The Lakers coach kept his words on Charles Barkley brief after the analyst criticized Redick's team.
ESPN - 3d
Secularists must remember that religion is on the rise

Western rationalists have always assumed that atheism is the logical end point of prosperity. But I’m no longer so sure
Financial Times - 4d
'I Don't Give A S---, He's Hurt': Avalanche Coach Speaks Out On Sabres Scoring On Injured Goalie

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar shared his displeasure about how the referees didn't stop the play while goaltender Scott Wedgewood was hurt. Here's the rule behind the decision.
Yahoo Sports - 4d
From the archives: Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford, from rivals to friends

In 1976 Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter ran a heated campaign against incumbent President Gerald Ford. But in a development that seems increasingly foreign to today's partisan environment, the two ...
CBS News - 4d
Victims of New Orleans attack remembered

A ceremony was held to commemorate the 14 people who were killed in the New Year's attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Now, family members of the victims are speaking out about their loved ...
CBS News - 5d

More from The Guardian

California wildfires live: more than 1,400 firefighters tackling three separate fires around LA

California’s governor says emergency services are ‘all hands on deck’ as wildfire spreads through Pacific Palisades. Fast-moving wildfire spreads through Pacific Palisades Explainer: The Santa ...
The Guardian - 14m
France warns Donald Trump against threatening EU ‘sovereign borders’

Foreign minister hits out after US president-elect refuses to rule out military action to take control of Greenland. France has warned Donald Trump against threatening the “sovereign borders” of ...
The Guardian - 13m
Italian journalist Cecilia Sala freed from detention in Iran

Sala, who had been detained since 19 December, is flying home, Italian PM’s office says. An Italian journalist detained in Iran since 19 December has been freed and is heading back to Italy, the ...
The Guardian - 1h
Do they mean us? Mexicans bemused as Emilia Pérez sweeps film awards

Film largely praised by international critics but Mexicans ridiculed idea that it represents their country . A musical about a Mexican cartel boss who fakes their death, transitions and is reborn ...
The Guardian - 1h
Body found in search for British climbers missing in Italy

Discovery comes almost a week after Aziz Ziriat and Sam Harris went missing in Dolomites. A body has been found in the search for Aziz Ziriat and Sam Harris, two British hikers who have been ...
The Guardian - 16m

More in World

France warns Donald Trump against threatening EU ‘sovereign borders’

Foreign minister hits out after US president-elect refuses to rule out military action to take control of Greenland. France has warned Donald Trump against threatening the “sovereign borders” of ...
The Guardian - 13m
California wildfires live: more than 1,400 firefighters tackling three separate fires around LA

California’s governor says emergency services are ‘all hands on deck’ as wildfire spreads through Pacific Palisades. Fast-moving wildfire spreads through Pacific Palisades Explainer: The Santa ...
The Guardian - 14m
How long will Genesis be the inconspicuous luxury brand?

Yahoo News - 14m
Body found in search for British climbers missing in Italy

Discovery comes almost a week after Aziz Ziriat and Sam Harris went missing in Dolomites. A body has been found in the search for Aziz Ziriat and Sam Harris, two British hikers who have been ...
The Guardian - 16m
‘Absolutely sickening’ for Tories to vote against child protection legislation, education secretary says – UK politics live

Bridget Phillipson says Tory approach to bill will ‘kill it stone dead’ after PM says opposition more interested in retweets than safeguarding. Reform UK has also tabled a reasoned amendment to ...
The Guardian - 17m