Abstract

(Fifth edition with new drawings) This edition of Wild Wise Weird has included two new drawings provided by Dr Ho Manh Tung (Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences). It is also my pleasure to inform readers that despite its fictional nature, Wild Wise Weird has, over the past 900 days, inspired several academic writers in their earnest scientific discourses. Examples concerning ecological and environmental sustainability include: “How can satirical fables offer us a vision for sustainability?” (by Dr Nguyen Minh Hoang) and “A vision for fair and just transitions toward a carbon-free world by J. Mijin Cha” (both in Visions for Sustainability), “Kingfisher: contemplating the connection between nature and humans through science, art, literature, and lived experiences” (Pacific Conservation Biology), and “How an age-old photo of little chicks can awaken our conscience for biodiversity conservation and nature protection” and (Visions for Sustainability). Some other publications concerning technological innovation adoption are “Toward a pluralism of perspectives on AI”, and “Three tragedies that shape human life in the age of AI and their antidotes” (both in AI & Society). Also, Kingfisher inspired a “colorful” Asian dance, as shown in ©2025 Dam Thu Ha – A dance in a Kingfisherish costume performed on January 21, 2025. I sincerely hope that these minor changes bring an improved reading experience to readers as an effort to express my gratitude for their time. Hanoi, March 16, 2025 Quan-Hoang Vuong