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Our Zoo

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About this listen

 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.
(P)2014 Headline Digital©2014 June Mottershead Animals Biological Sciences Outdoors & Nature Science Heartfelt
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an insight into unusual 20th century entrepreneurship hard work dedication and a happy ending perfect

another era

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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.

Welsh place names horribly pronounced

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Really enjoyed this book. Even took it into the garden to work couldn't put it down.

You could be there!

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I was so very sad when this finished and I wanted to hear more. Thoroughly recommend this beautifully read story from a bygone era

Loved this book

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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"

Truly Macical

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