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Babylon's Ark: The Incredible Wartime Rescue of the Baghdad Zoo by Lawrence Anthony, Graham Spence
book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
Audiobook read by Simon Vance
4****
Subtitle: The Incredible Wartime Rescue of the Baghdad Zoo
Lawrence Anthony was a well-known conservationist and advocate for animals, running a game reserve (Thula Thula) in South Africa when images on CNN of the war in Baghdad caught his attention. He was horrified at the potential loss of wildlife at that war-ravaged city’s zoo, and knew he had to somehow go help. And so, against all odds, he did. This is the story of his work there.
It’s quite the adventure. From just getting into the war zone (the zoo being in the middle of the action), to dealing with the continued looting, to begging for supplies and then for security everything was a challenge and a half. He paid staff out of his own pockets, and scrounged food for them and their families so that the precious supplies at the zoo could be allocated to keeping the animals there alive. And then he discovered the many “private” zoos … from Sadam’s son, Uday, and other wealthy owners he rescued many mismanaged and starving animals. His was truly a labor of love, and one hopes that his efforts have continued to pay dividends in better treatment, more habitat-enhanced enclosures, and a renewed local pride in this marvelous resource for both education and amusement.
Simon Vance does a fine job narrating the audio. He’s narrated Anthony’s other books as well, and I really enjoy the way he reads them.
4****
Subtitle: The Incredible Wartime Rescue of the Baghdad Zoo
Lawrence Anthony was a well-known conservationist and advocate for animals, running a game reserve (Thula Thula) in South Africa when images on CNN of the war in Baghdad caught his attention. He was horrified at the potential loss of wildlife at that war-ravaged city’s zoo, and knew he had to somehow go help. And so, against all odds, he did. This is the story of his work there.
It’s quite the adventure. From just getting into the war zone (the zoo being in the middle of the action), to dealing with the continued looting, to begging for supplies and then for security everything was a challenge and a half. He paid staff out of his own pockets, and scrounged food for them and their families so that the precious supplies at the zoo could be allocated to keeping the animals there alive. And then he discovered the many “private” zoos … from Sadam’s son, Uday, and other wealthy owners he rescued many mismanaged and starving animals. His was truly a labor of love, and one hopes that his efforts have continued to pay dividends in better treatment, more habitat-enhanced enclosures, and a renewed local pride in this marvelous resource for both education and amusement.
Simon Vance does a fine job narrating the audio. He’s narrated Anthony’s other books as well, and I really enjoy the way he reads them.
suebrownreads's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book. I had read The Elephant Whisperer and was so impressed, that I wanted to read more by this author. Mr. Anthony was a dedicated and brave soul, and pulled off a miracle in saving so many animals (and employees) at the Bagdad zoo during the war in Iraq. He ends the book with a call to save the Earth, and he mentions establishing an organization called The Earth Organization (now called The Lawrence Anthony Earth Organization) to help do just that. It is so tragic that his life ended so early. I know he would have continued to make a huge difference in this world. Thank goodness we (and the animals) had him as long as we did.
imogen76's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.75
Great show of grit and determination within the tornado of devastation and war
jusuwa's review against another edition
2.0
It is beyond question that Lawrence Anthony's mission to rescue the remaining animals in the Zoo of Baghdad in 2003 was very brave. However, what could have been a riveting book is let down by the quality of the writing and a general lack of reflection and depth.
elladee's review against another edition
5.0
I was surprised by how much I loved this book!! A rousing, inspiring true story, executed flawlessly. I don't usually read books like this but I'm so glad I gave this one a try!!
readcarrieread's review against another edition
4.0
Good book that really sheds light on wartime Iraq. It seems to jump around a little chronologically but a very interesting read
dozylocal's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
A story about one man in South Africa who feels called to care about the animals stuck in the cross-fire of the Iraqi war. A man who feels something needs to be done to ensure the safety and care of the animals in Baghdad. And of the people who against all odds rallied around to help him. It's about over-coming the odds by starting and finishing one small task at a time.
Besides the main theme of helping the animals in the zoo and the broader city, it also gives a bit of an insight into what it is like to live and work in a war zone. And also the social complexities around respecting animal rights in a war situation where most human rights are also threatened.
A story about one man in South Africa who feels called to care about the animals stuck in the cross-fire of the Iraqi war. A man who feels something needs to be done to ensure the safety and care of the animals in Baghdad. And of the people who against all odds rallied around to help him. It's about over-coming the odds by starting and finishing one small task at a time.
Besides the main theme of helping the animals in the zoo and the broader city, it also gives a bit of an insight into what it is like to live and work in a war zone. And also the social complexities around respecting animal rights in a war situation where most human rights are also threatened.
counthannahreadsalot's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting read if you’re curious about the development or history of zoos, or the Iraq war. It is very sad and graphic in places, especially in its depictions of war and how the animals were treated. I found it hard to read in places, both because of some of the graphic descriptions and because of the depictions of the Iraq war. The author is South African, so allegedly neutral, but his perspective clearly supported the war and its goals. He definitely tried to write a neutral book about the saving of the Baghdad zoo, but there are a lot of undercurrents of opinions in the book. Given when the book was written, it’s also a little sad that his claims about what happened to the animals under his care may no longer be accurate.
Definitely not a boring read, but also not sure it’s one that any meaningful opinions or conclusions can be drawn from.
Definitely not a boring read, but also not sure it’s one that any meaningful opinions or conclusions can be drawn from.
missjenm's review against another edition
3.0
Even more than a story about saving the zoo, this book is an excellent look at what was happening in Baghdad during and after the U.S. invasion, especially being from the viewpoint of a foreign civilian. A pretty heart-breaking and compelling story.