Babylon's Ark: The Incredible Wartime Rescue of the Baghdad Zoo

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!

One of the best animal rescue books I've ever read. The account is of the devastation that took place in Bagdad at Saddam Hussein's famous zoo there, which housed some magnificent wild animals, many who perished there during the early days of the Iraq War. Some very special conservationists, led by a South African, put their lives on the line trying to rebuild the almost demolished zoo, nurse the wounded animals back to health, locate huge amounts of food for these large animals, create a source of watering, and protect those animals who were left there - from poachers and from the consequences of the neglect and wounds these animals received. This is a story of commitment, perseverance, bravery, ingenuity, teamwork, and most of all, a strong love of, and respect for the animals who were being kept at the Bagdad Zoo. Definitely worth the time to read if you have a heart for saving animals.

Anthony, a South African elephant conservationist, was appalled when he heard that the animals at the Kabul zoo were killed in the war in Afghanistan. When the war in Iraq started, he decided to go to Baghdad and help save the animals at the Baghdad zoo from the same fate. Anthony got a real education walking into a war zone and finding the zoo completely looted and all but 30 of the creatures dead or missing. Slowly, and with the help of brave Iraqi vets and zookeepers, concerned American soldiers, and one crazy taxi driver, Anthony helped lead the zoo's recovery into a safe place for the animals and a haven of normalcy for Baghdad families. If a story like this is competently told, it really can't miss, and this one hits the mark. Anthony has many interesting things to say, good stories, and the right combination of indignation and MASH-style humor. The last chapter bogs down in hopeless idealism about international cooperation (IMHO), but this book will be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in the topic or the experiences of an ordinary civilian trying to get something done in a war zone. Reviewer: Liz Clare, co-author of the historical novel To the Ends of the Earth: The Last Journey of Lewis and Clark.

This book was totally eye opening. I'm an animal lover but I have to admit it never occurred to me that there was a zoo in Baghdag. The pure fear, starvation, total lack of water and abuse these animals endured were heart wrenching. Thank the Good Lord that the author, Lawrence Anthony, was able to get into Baghdad during a war. Anthony and his Iraq co-workers with total devotion and brutal strength worked to save the animals not already dead. This was such a great story. It opened my eyes to the ravages of war beyond just the suffering of people.

It is hard to believe this story in an age of anti-heros but Anthony and his small team of big-hearted, smart and determined people, Iraqi and South African and American, managed to bring a zoo filled with starving, diseased, psychically damaged animals in bombed out facilities back from the brink of death. Not just death, but the most heartless, inhuman living circumstances lacking the barest of necessities. this story proves that perseverance and a good yet tough heart can do the impossible. A story for the ages, uplifting and hopeful in the midst of a hopeless situation. Animal lovers and champions of the human spirit will love this tale (or tail.) In the face of Taliban terrorists, and Saddam loyalists, Anthony and his small crew saved animals that has been blinded, starved, forced to live in their own excrement, shell shocked and living in bombed out disgusting facilities. They rehabilitated and nursed animals that were so traumatized that PTSD was the least of their wounds. And through all this, they never gave up. Proof positive that determination can accomplish wonders.

Lawrence Anthony is an uplifting writer. He turns the grimmest situations into rays of hope and possibility. His love of wild life and his courage in adversity coupled with his own humility are very attractive qualities. His other book which I've read, The Elephant Whisperer is worth another star, if that were possible. With people like Lawrence Anthony in the world you feel there is hope yet for the future of this planet. I was deeply saddened to hear of his death in 2012. I have little criticism of Mr Anthony's books. They grip you with his audacity which is the hallmark of his success, and at the same time his philosophy of life is intelligent, pragmatic and to my way of thinking, it makes a lot of sense. He is a realist and a very humane person. Everyone I know who has read his books have loved them, without exception!

'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

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..

This book was beautifully written and has touched my heart and soul. I want to share this book with my family and friends. We all need to take responsibility to make our world a better place for ALL living things. Thank you Lawrence!

Great book. Wars are a given between humans (we are so stupid) but animals should never suffer because of our stupidity. This book tells the story of the devastating consequences the Irak war brought on to the innocent animals left to die at the zoo. But this story applies to all conflicts because it is a given that in all cases the animals ( pets, farm, wild) are always left behind and ignored. When is humanity going to understand that when we talk of life on this planet it is not only the human life that should be considered. Life includes animals land and marine, nature again land and marine. We are killing what feeds and sustains us. Like I said WE HUMANS ARE SO STUPID! We are on target (one that we will not miss) to our obliteration!

A very good enjoyable and interesting read, people risking their lives for the love of animals, quite right to.

Já havia lido os outros dois livros do Anthony, sobre os elefantes em Tula-Tula e sobre o resgate de rinocerontes. Por isso tinha vontade de ler este sobre o resgate dos animais do Zoo de Bagdá durante a Guerra do Golfo. No mesmo estilo dos outros dois Anthony e Spence descrevem as dificuldades para o resgate dos animais em meio a uma zona de guerra. O livro é triste em alguns momentos, pois a situação no meio da guerra trás o pior do ser humano, mas também mostra a dedicação de algumas pessoas para ajudar a salvar os animais que restaram. Para quem gosta de animais recomendo todos os três livros de Lawrence Anthony que, infelizmente, nos deixou antes da hora.

After the fascinating read of elephant whisperer and last rhinos I got into a Lawrence Anthony fan mood and got this third book (actually his first), even though I am neither fan of wartime stories nor this Iraq war in particular to say the least. However I got taken from the start and enjoyed it once more to follow Anthony on his quest to save animals at whatever it takes though adventures, improvisations, suprises, mishaps and fundraisings all thoufgh the quagmire of wartorn Baghdad. Again well written as if you'd be standing next to him all the way through so simply an incredible story well told.