Babylon's Ark: The Incredible Wartime Rescue of the Baghdad Zoo Paperback – Illustrated, July 8, 2008

I'm not much of a nonfiction reader, but after hearing about Lawrence Anthony's book on the CBS Sunday Morning News I had to have it. Ever slowed down the car to let a squirrel or goose get out of your way? Ever caught a small bird or mouse in your garage and taken it outside to set free? Although your animal-loving efforts are certainly appreciated, you will never believe the conflicts Anthony faced to save the Baghdad zoo.Arriving on the cusp of the war, Anthony discovers most of the animals have died of starvation or been stolen by looters. With only 36 animals left, guns firing in the distance, food and supplies stolen, and only a handful of people for a staff, Anthony questions whether he should shoot the animals to end their misery or do what he came to Iraq to do. Save the zoo!As an outsider, Anthony paints an amazing picture of a war-torn country, surrounded by American troops, but his focus stays on the animals. The story he tells of the animals that have survived, either because they have sharp claws or teeth (or both) and could defend themselves, is just haunting. His struggles to provide food, water, and safety are a never ending battle. It was also good to read how many American soldiers helped provide aide. Some soldier's bought an entire flock of sheep with their own money for Anthony to use as food for the carnivores.Lawrence was also responsible for setting up an Iraqi SPCA which closed down a black market zoo and rescued tons of animals that were in even worse conditions. They also went in search of Saddam's million-dollar Arabian horses after they came up missing from Saddam's palace, and they rescued a pack of lions from Uday Hussein's abandoned palace. The stories and struggles are never ending, but Lawrence's determination will definitely inspire you.So far, this is the best book I've read all year! I doubt any other book of such strength and will could ever come close! Animal lover or not, don't miss out on this story. It's a different side of the war that television and news deprives us of!

What a powerful book. I had read his other books about his life in Africa and gave this one a try because he wrote so well. It a shame what mankind does to our planet and animals. Please read this wonderful book and take care of the animals and help protect our planet..

'Babylon's Ark...' is an adventure story from start until the end of the second last chapter. The adventure begins with Anthony's dangerous journey through war-torn Iraq to Baghdad, a scene of frenzy, factional fighting and constant threat. In company with two equally brave Kuwaitis, his intention is to save the zoo and its starving occupants. The situation is desperate...how is it possible to restore terrified, desperately ill, wounded animals to a semblance of trust and good health? Transporting wild, carnivorous animals is a near-impossible challenge. Yet they do all these things. The adventure ends with the return of the zoo to the Iraqi people.The author does not present himself as the only hero...so are the Iraqis who risk death every day to carry buckets of water for the zoo's thirst-ravaged occupants, to repair and scrub putrifying cages and to comb the city in search of whatever food they can scrounge. Black marketeers must be dealt with, armed looters confronted and facilities restored on virtually no money. Soldiers are equally heroic in finding food, even donating their own rations and precious time. More heroes emerge in the form of animal welfare organizations.I fully intended to give 'Babylon's Ark...' five stars and I'm sorry I decided not to...this is because of the final chapter. The adventure ends before this chapter starts. Lawrence's dissertation on his philosophy and intentions, interesting as it is, is not part of the story. If it were added as an epilogue the reader would have been allowed the discretion of reading the author's exposition...or not.Despite my problem concerning the last chapter, I FULLY RECOMMEND LAWRENCE ANTHONY'S REAL-LIFE STORY.Joan Emberg, Tasmania, Australia

This book provides a view of the early days of the occupation of Baghdad through the eyes of a South African wild life refuge manager who felt called to come and save the surviving animals of the Baghdad Zoo. It includes the private menageries of Saddam's unsavory sons, and the animals they rescued from those wild creatures housed in the suburban areas where they had their homes and 'pets'. Lawrence Anthony and his motley crew deal with looters, the US Army, and the starving remains of the zoo. Some of the resulting scenes are hilarious! Such as the time they were moving Uday's animals from his private estate to the Zoo. The cheetah's, and other such animals had been loaded onto trucks for the few mile trip. But the ostriches didn't fit on the truck. He decided to have the keepers walk them to their new home. So far, so good! But the huge birds had been confined for so long that the sight of all that distance- they took off running as ostriches love to do!! Now picture the US Army sentries who have been dealing with IEDs and car bombs who suddenly see huge birds galloping their way, each with keepers hanging on for dear life!! By necessity they have had to be quick on the trigger, and they think they have seen it all- but sprinting ostriches??!! With people hanging onto them??!! No, they didn't shoot, but how were they supposed to record that into their Day's Log Book??