Karesh comes across as unassuming, kind, and extraordinarily competent, and with a generous sense of humor. He does not take his work lightly, though. Travelling continually, his skills and experience as a veterinarian are helping provide data critical to the understanding of the health and management needs of indigenous populations of animals and their ecosystems. At the same time he is helping to establish a level of competence in the local scientific communities to sustain the research and to support successful conservation strategies. Karesh does not paint a pretty picture of the status of wildlife, but he does offer an optimistic forecast if each of us accepts the challenge to make a difference. I highly recommend "Appointment..." to those who enjoy stories of wildlife "up-close," who are interested in wildlife research trends and challenges, who enjoy outdoor adventure with a practical bent, who wanted as kids to be veterinarians (and really still do), who welcome subtle inspiration, and who want to get to know someone who seems like a really nice guy.