I received this book from my lovely sister as a birthday present. I finished it last week and am finally getting to the review. Enjoy!
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Title: Babylon’s Ark: The Incredible Wartime Rescue of the Baghdad Zoo
Author: Lawrence Anthony
Synopsis: ”When the Iraq war began, conservationist Lawrence Anthony could think of only one thing: the fate of the Baghdad Zoo, located in the city center and caught in the war’s crossfire. Once Anthony entered Baghdad he discovered that full-scale combat and uncontrolled looting had killed nearly all the animals of the zoo.
But not all of them. U.S. soldiers had taken the time to help care for the remaining animals, and the zoo’s staff had returned to work in spite of the constant firefights. Together the Americans and Iraqis had managed to keep alive the animals that had survived the invasion.”
ISBN: 0312358326
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My Review:
When tragedy strikes, whether it is war or a natural disaster, the lives of people are everyone’s first priority. However, humans are not the only ones affected during tough times, and it seems that animals, who suffer as much if not more, are often forgotten about or left behind. In Lawrence Anthony’s Babylon’s Ark, the true-life rescue of the animals in war-torn Baghdad reminds us how truly devastating war can be on every being.
Beginning with the frantic rush to try to save Baghdad’s zoo, Lawrence Anthony captivates you from the first page. His reasons for going to Iraq are honorable, and his struggles throughout his journey bring both tears of sorrow and sighs of relief as the lives of neglected animals are fought for in a city that is already fighting. However, the book not only highlights the animal’s lives, but also the people of Baghdad and the city itself. Brave soldiers, Iraqis, and foreigners are thrown together in an unlikely situation, as they not only help the zoo’s animals, but also the mistreated and abandoned animals of ex-dictator Saddam Hussein and his sons.
Lawrence Anthony writes with such passion that the 245 page book took me only days to read as I hesitated to put it down, and the pictures comprised in the middle bring all the scenes to life. The ending was my favorite as Anthony dedicated a chapter to how everyone could make a difference not only for animals and people, but for Planet Earth in general. Babylon’s Ark definitely sheds a different light on the Iraq war, and is a highly recommended read for all avid readers and animal lovers.
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Purchase it at Amazon.com here: Babylon’s Ark
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Has anyone read this book? If yes, what was your take on it? If not, do you plan on reading it? Let us know in the comment section below!
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*Note: The synopsis and photo were taken from Goodreads.com. The review above is written by me. © Kalie Lyn 2011*
