Roger Caras
Caras was president emeritus of the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and longtime announcer at the Westminster Kennel Club's annual dog show. He missed last week's show at Madison Square Garden because of his illness.
He also served as adjunct professor of English at Southampton College on Long Island and was adjunct professor of animal ecology and member of board of overseers at the U. of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine.
Caras wrote more than 60 books about animals in their natural habitats. His first, "Antarctica: Land of Frozen Time," was published in 1962. Others include "A Perfect Harmony: The Intertwining Lives of Animals and Humans Throughout History" and "Going for the Blue: Inside the World of Show Dogs and Dog Shows."
He debuted on television in 1964 as "House Naturalist" on NBC's "Today Show." Caras joined ABC in 1975, where he was a special correspondent on animals and the environment for "ABC World News Tonight With Peter Jennings," "Nightline," and "20/20," as well as nature and companion animal correspondent for "Good Morning America."
Beginning in 1969, his radio series "Pets and Wildlife" was heard at various times on the CBS, NBC and ABC radio networks.
At one point his household included 11 dogs, nine cats, a llama, two alpacas, a steer, six horses including a miniature one and two donkeys.
Caras is survived by his wife, Jill Langdon Barclay, a daughter, a son, and four grandchildren.
