Menagerie Manor

If you like Gerald Durrel in my opinion this is one of his best books. I have read all his books and this is in the top 5. its funny, smart, and its great how he uses descriptive and proper writing. Just look at the cover and you see him holding a tapir. It made me laugh my butt off i highly recomend it to anyone.

I must admit I've never heard of the author. This popped up as a recommendation so I thought "What the heck" and got it. This is a quick read, and easy read, an educational read, and an entertaining read. I'd even be interested in meeting some reptiles, thanks to this book. Anyone who has even a remote interest in animals should be reading this; scientists who say animals have no personalities should be reading this. I think any human who takes the time to allow this information into their brains will realize we may be the loudest creatures on earth, but we're not the only interesting ones.

I don't have anything interesting to add so will be brief. What occurred to me when reading this book was simply that it would be a good guide for students who are trying to improve their writing. Durrell knows how to engage his reader: his prose is involving and informed and in no way stilted. It's a marvelous, highly appealing style that conveys very important--and at the same time entertaining--subject matter.

Unlike most other Durrel books which speak of his expeditions to study and work with animals, this one talks of him setting up his own zoo in the Channel island of Jersey. This book overturns a stereotype of the zoo as a humourless place with unhappy animals in poor conditions, at least for Durrell's zoo. Much of the book deals with the characters he has become fond of - the "celebrity" animals in the zoo and the laughter and tears they have caused. It also speaks of the relationship between the zoo and the Jersey community - the initial reluctance followed by an outpouring of support. It also details many incidents that have occurred in the zoo, whether hilarious or touching. A great read for all who love animals, as the author's attachment to them is felt in every page - as well as a testimony to what zoos can be within the scientific/community/ecological and environmental scale of things.

This is a great book for all those who have a special place in their hearts for animals. Gerald Durrell takes us through his experiences in setting up a zoo in Jersey. It is a marvelous book full of humor. It sends out a message about saving wildlife. So, even if you are not the one to start a zoo, this book is a must read for you!