Sooyong Park's 'THE GREAT SOUL OF SIBERIA'...In search of the Elusive Siberian Tiger

Sooyong Park is a Korean wildlife Conservationist. The first time I came across his work was while watching a documentary-Siberian Tiger Quest, featuring Mike Birkhead. The documentary itself had an impact to sow the seed of curiosity towards elusive Siberian Tigers. 

There are five species of the largest cat on earth-Tiger. Out of which, work on siberian tigers is rare and hence very little is known of this species, which is on the verge of extinction. Hence undoubtedly they are termed as elusive.

Sooyong Park's dedication towards protection and conservation of this elusive species can be known from the documentary, but the documentary cannot comprehend the entire work of his, pictured within mere an hour or less. This work of his compensates this lacking and fills the vacuum. This work takes you in to an adventure that in real life is almost impossible. Additionally it is richly filled with information that can aid for the research purpose as well. Sharing the emotions you might shed few tear drops as well.

Starting from an introduction about the region, it already wraps you into a magical veil, like a fairy tale. You get awestruck with the detailed description of Usuri region. The myths and legends attached to it along with campfire stories of natives makes you feel as if you are in the moment. Sooyong Park has tried to do justice to the efforts of natives in conservation efforts. Although he more so explains the tragedy natives are going through with changing times. How lives of forest people and THE BEAST is interwoven has been the central facet of the work, in fact how humans mostly poachers have brought the region to a brink of crisis is rightly plotted. You will definitely want to commend the zeal and persistence of Mr. Park towards conservation efforts. The ending portion leaves you baffled and confused with a question as to, was it really a wildlife literature or rather another fiction novel from west?

The work definitely inspires you to contribute towards conservation efforts in saving Elusive Siberian Tigers. Initiating as simple as a talk on the topic and trying to know more on the subject will in fact be a gesture of respect towards Mr. Park and others engaged in this effort.

In all, the work is WORTH A READ. It not only entertains (which is bit a slang word to describe) you but also leaves you at the end with deep insights on the habitat as well the cat itself. I would recommend this book especially for those who like me-wildlife enthusiasts-loved Jim Cobett's work.