The Extraordinary Life of the Wildlife Man

No man loves having double pneumonia and dengue fever, or having his back broken by a whale or ribs shattered by a wild boar. But feeling the breath of a lion as he devours a wildebeest, filming inside the jaws of a saltwater crocodile, or looking into the black eyes of a great white shark is worth every second of pain.

David Ireland has led a life of high adventure, marked with extraordinary success, and profound tragedy. He started life as a severely asthmatic kid with a speech impediment--the target of bullies wherever he went. But with the help of a mail-order exercise program, an insatiable thirst for adventure, and some unbelievably lucky escapes, he became one of the world's most sought-after wildlife film producers. David has brushed up against nature's raw power so often, it's a wonder he's alive to tell these tales. In his game, knowing when to obey fear and when to ignore it can be the difference between life and death. He has survived his hijinks (pretty much) unscathed thanks to well-honed instincts, immense strength of character, and a deep respect for the beasts he chases across the globe. The risks I have taken were driven out of a desire to bring nature into people's living rooms. Now let me take you behind the scenes.