My Life with Kangaroos: A Deaf Woman’s Remarkable Story

After a glimpse of kangaroos at Switzerland’s Basel Zoo at the age of three, Doris Herrmann’s life trajectory became clear. Despite overwhelming physical disabilities – Herrmann was born deaf and later lost her sight – she dedicated her life to the study of Australia’s signature marsupials. As a teenager, Herrmann so impressed the zookeepers with her self-directed studies, they granted her greater and greater access, resulting in an array of scientific articles and a reputation as a precocious kangaroo-whisperer. As her fame grew, Australia’s great kangaroo expert Karl H. Winkelstrater took note and invited her to Pebbly Beach to study in the field. Thereafter, Herrmann undertook four decades of travel and research. Sure to be an uplifting read, “My Life with Kangaroos” conveys Doris Herrmann’s unique story as a testament to human desire, determination, and, ultimately, joy.