Reared in Chester Zoo - The Story of June Mottershead - Softcover

Janice Madden

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0955970202 ISBN 13: 9780955970207

Publisher: Ark Books, 2008

Synopsis

To the people of Cheshire the Mottershead family is synonymous with the world famous Chester Zoo - the pioneer of zoos without bars.

Reared in Chester Zoo traces the story of the development of Chester Zoo through the life of June Mottershead, younger daughter of George Mottershead, who conceived of and founded the Zoo in 1931.

Through June's eyes and thoughts we understand how what most people at the time considered a crazy and intrusive idea, became a thriving reality. George Mottershead's vision was conceived in the depths of the Great Depression, and had to endure its own battles during the tumult of World War II.

The strength of the Mottershead family, their mutual love for the animals they looked after, and their genuinely dynamic relationship to each other lay the foundations of a zoo like no other. The animals were as much members of the family as were George and Elizabeth Mottershead, and their daughters Muriel and June, and Reared in Chester Zoo is full of the warmth and pain of their life together.

The influence of the Mottershead family, and the zoo they created, is profound, and has not only pioneered the concept of zoos without bars, but also championed the captive breeding of threatened species.

June Mottershead is now in her 80's, married to Fred for 59 years, and looks back over her life to narrate the charming history of how Chester Zoo struggled into existence, ultimately to become the pride of Cheshire, and a beacon to the humane care and treatment of animals. She was reared there, has lived her life there, and now, after many requests to do so, shares her fascinating story with the world.

About this title

About the Author:

Janice Madden was born in Crewe, England. She spent her childhood in Cheshire. She presently lives in Adelaide, South Australia.

She has worked for many years as a teacher specialising in English Literature, creative writing and English as a Second Language. Her writing reveals her skilled observations, her generosity of spirit and empathy for all things living.

In October 2005 Janice released her latest book `Just a Girl from Crewe'. It is largely autobiographical with stories from Janice's childhood until the present day. It contains many short stories, poetry and photographs.

It was through the success of "Just a Girl from Crewe" in Cheshire in 2006 that Jan came to meet June Mottershead of Chester Zoo, and at her invitation Jan was asked to write June's story ..... "Reared in Chester Zoo".

By Janice Madden
Circles within Circles
Knights of the Road
Just a girl from Crewe
The Price

About this edition

• Publisher: Ark Books
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0955970202
• ISBN 13: 9780955970207
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 172