Our Zoo

Mottershead, June

ISBN 10: 0750541555 / ISBN 13: 9780750541558

Published by Magna Large Print Books, 2015

About this Item

Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # GRP102488417

Bibliographic Details

Title: Our Zoo

Publisher: Magna Large Print Books

Publication Date: 2015

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Good

Edition: Large type / large print edition.

About this title

Synopsis:

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.

Book Description:

A wonderfully nostalgic memoir detailing the fascinating lives of the working class family behind the phenomenally successful Chester Zoo.