Questions and Answers with Eugene
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- Published on Monday, 22 August 2011 09:06
- Written by Super User
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Q & A:
1. Why did you decide to write a book?
When I met Jane on her second visit to the sanctuary she encouraged me to write a book after hearing of some of the rescue stories. I would honestly not have gone through with it if it wasn’t for a very persistent editor with Penguin books that checked in with me once every month to encourage me to commit. Eventually I caved but I had no idea that I would have more fun writing then filming a show.
2. Transition from filming to writing. What was this like?
Writing a book is a personal journey, obviously this book was about my adventures and for the first time I get to put my thoughts and opinions down to share with people, this is not always the case with filming because a production has its own direction and is about telling a specific story line. The book in a way gives people access to what was going through my head and not just what I got up to.
3. Was it easy sharing your experiences?
I like the feeling that comes from being honest and this book was a way of really telling it like it is. What was going through my head at a certain point in time can only really be conveyed through a book. Cameras weren’t always around to capture my greatest adventures and now I can share that with people.
4. What was your favorite rescue?
If favorite can be described as the rescue that gave the most satisfaction, it was undoubtedly Cozy’s rescue. It was a rollercoaster ride that could have tanked at any time. I remember arranging with airline personnel to allow me to stand and watch as they brought the cargo to be loaded. The moment Cozy’s crate was loaded into the A340 Airbus; I breathed a sigh of relief unparallel to any before.
5. The most dangerous situation you found yourself in?
There were many but undoubtedly the Lebanon mission, the book described in detail how the mission went and I honestly believed that our lives were in danger if we stayed on.
6. What’s in your mission bag?
Laptop
Scanner
Printer
Battery Powered Drill
Self-drilling screws
Sony PD 150 Video camera
Energy Bars
Tabasco (kills bugs dead)
Mosquito spray
Kantrexil (never go into Africa without it)
Cable ties
Cable reinforced leg string (100 % guaranteed to safe your life, make fire, climb rope or act as Tunicae)
Thuraya Satellite Phone
Victorinox Multi-tool
Flint
TAG Heuer (not to look good but to trade in case all goes pair shaped and you have to bargain for your life)
7. What is your favorite tool?
SWAT rope kit and Timberland Boots, it’s a tie. The later is the only boot that will keep your feet dry from walking in fluids that should not be named.
8. What chimp has the best concentration when learning?
Sally
9. The worst?
Cozy…but that’s OK
10. Was it worth it?
You bet.
