Gerald Malcolm Durrell, OBE (7 January 1925 – 30 January 1995) was a renowned British naturalist, writer, zookeeper, conservationist, and television presenter. He is widely celebrated for founding the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and the Jersey Zoo on the Channel Island of Jersey in 1959. His literary contributions include approximately forty books, chiefly detailing his experiences as an animal collector and enthusiast. Among these, My Family and Other Animals (1956) stands out, documenting his family's years living in Greece and becoming a cornerstone for adaptations into two television series and one television film.

As the youngest brother of the esteemed novelist Lawrence Durrell, Gerald's life and work have left a lasting impact on the fields of wildlife conservation and literature. His unique blend of wry humour and astute observation offered readers a vivid glimpse into the lives of both humans and animals he encountered. Notably, his upbringing in Corfu inspired a trilogy, beginning with My Family and Other Animals, and followed by Birds, Beasts, And Relatives and The Garden Of The Gods, each chronicling his explorations and the profound connection he fostered with the natural world.

After departing from Corfu, Durrell's journey took him back to England where he embarked on his career at Whipsnade Park as a student keeper, sharing his adventures in Beasts In My Belfry. His dedication to wildlife preservation continued to evolve, leading him to establish his own animal collection endeavors and ultimately founding the institutions that bear his legacy today.