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Our Zoo
- Narrated by: Emily Pennant-Rea
- Length: 6 hrs and 17 mins
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Our Zoo
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Summary
A wonderfully nostalgic memoir detailing the fascinating lives of the working class family behind the phenomenally successful Chester Zoo.
When George Mottershead moved to the village of Upton-by-Chester in 1930 to realise his dream of opening a zoo without bars, his four-year-old daughter June had no idea how extraordinary her life would become. Soon her best friend was a chimpanzee called Mary, lion cubs and parrots were vying for her attention in the kitchen, and finding a bear tucked up in bed was no more unusual than talking to a tapir about granny's lemon curd. Pelican, penguin, or polar bear - for June, they were simply family.
The early years were not without their obstacles for the Mottersheads. They were shunned by the local community, bankruptcy threatened and then World War Two began. Nightly bombing raids turned the dream into a nightmare and finding food for the animals became a constant challenge. Yet George's resilience, resourcefulness and tenacity eventually paid off. Now over 80 years since June first set foot in the echoing house, Chester Zoo has achieved worldwide renown. Here, in her enthralling memoir, June Mottershead chronicles the heartbreak, the humour, the trials and triumphs, above all the characters, both human and animal, who shaped her childhood.
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What listeners say about Our Zoo
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Helen M
- 02-07-17
another era
an insight into unusual 20th century entrepreneurship hard work dedication and a happy ending perfect
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- jillian grant
- 28-08-16
A captivating read.
What made the experience of listening to Our Zoo the most enjoyable?
Hearing about many of the animals that stayed at the zoo.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Our Zoo?
Haven't got one.
Which scene did you most enjoy?
None in particular.
If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
Don't know. Don't watch films.
Any additional comments?
For me, the fact that it ends with June getting married leaves this book unfinished. I want to know what happened after that to both her, her family and the zoo. Think the narrator read it well.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anaveildra
- 09-07-20
Brilliantly written, read and a gorgeous story!!
The narrator had a lovely voice, perfect for the story. This is a must read for anyone who has been to Chester Zoo.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Cec
- 17-03-15
love it , could not stop listening
Love hearing how Chester Zoo started. Going with your dream. Specially as it is local.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Sarah
- 05-04-15
Could not put it down
loved it!! could not put it down! draws you in as you wang to know more about ghe people and animals
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Deborah
- 31-01-17
Loved this book
I was so very sad when this finished and I wanted to hear more. Thoroughly recommend this beautifully read story from a bygone era
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Kay Briggs
- 19-02-21
A must read for any animal lover
Such an inspiring story, I would have loved to have heard more. You get a real insight into building a successful business in such testing times.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Robert
- 30-11-14
Truly Macical
Where does Our Zoo rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
A great true story. Really hope June will give us all another installment of her families adventures building a collection without bars.
What other book might you compare Our Zoo to, and why?
Our Zoo, is gripping and funny like the best James Herriot and Gerald Durrel stories. If you enjoyed My Family and Other Animals and Every Living Thing, I'm sure you'll love our zoo.
What does Emily Pennant-Rea bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?
Emily brings a real warmth to the story. Look forward to listening to more books read by Emily.
If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
Chaos in the country
Any additional comments?
An around great listen. 5 Stars. Hoping for a second installment "our zoo two"
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- pinkgecko
- 05-03-19
Welsh place names horribly pronounced
I really enjoyed this book, however given how close to the border Chester zoo is, it would have been respectful for the narrator to learn how to pronounce our place names. It took me some time to work out that June had gone on holiday to Pwllheli not ‘poo lily’ as read. There were several others examples too.
Overall though, a lovely story about our local zoo.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- DAVID
- 18-01-17
REVIEW OF OUR ZOO
An enjoyabĺe story, clearly narrated but often poorly pronounced!
An excellent supplement to the television series. xßA good length for a holiday read.
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