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12th out of 14 books
—
2 voters
Saving the Baghdad Zoo: A True Story of Hope and Heroes
by
Kelly Milner Halls (Goodreads Author),
Major William Sumner
The baghdad zoo was once home to more than six hundred magnificent animals. But after the war in Iraq began in 2003, the city faced widespread destruction.
When U. S. Army Captain William Sumner was asked to check out the state of the zoo, he found that it, too, was devastated. Hundreds of animals were missing, and the few remaining were in desperate need of care. And so Ca...more
When U. S. Army Captain William Sumner was asked to check out the state of the zoo, he found that it, too, was devastated. Hundreds of animals were missing, and the few remaining were in desperate need of care. And so Ca...more
Hardcover, 64 pages
Published
February 9th 2010
by Greenwillow Books
(first published 2009)
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April 2003 in Iraq... Baghdad was a city in wartime ruins. Captain William Sumner's commanding officer said to him, "There is a zoo in al-Zawra Park. Why don't you go check it out?" What he found became a mission! There were several zoos, public and private, in the Baghdad area, and all had been abandoned during the fighting. Many animals had been killed or escaped, but others were trapped in their cages without food, water, or care. Captain Sumner and his team found food and water for the anima...more
I am not usually a lover of non-fiction, especially when it comes to animals, but this book piqued my interest. I think it was the historical perspective that drew me into Major Sumner's story about rescuing zoo animals and saving a nation. My husband and I recently watched the movie The Green Zone, so images of a war-torn Iraq were fresh on my mind. I found the heroic efforts of the volunteers inspirational, and it was evident that saving these exotic creatures held deep symbolic meaning and si...more
This book is absolutely a must-have, no-discussion, gimme-gimme purchase for the school library. The story of U.S. and Iraqi military and civilian volunteers rescuing zoo animals in post-invasion Baghdad, it is full of wondrous moments: peril, as when a convoy transporting animals on an hour-long journey across town encounters sniper fire; tragedy, when a soldier ventures too close to the tiger cage; nobility, bravery, and humor.
Sidebars give information on the animal species, background about t...more
Sidebars give information on the animal species, background about t...more
I thought this was a good snapshot of the restoration of Baghdad Zoo. I'm sure there's a lot more to this story than what is written about-it reads sort of like a highlight reel. This book is filled with stories of generosity and teamwork and people from all sides of the war divide coming together to work on this important project. They rescued not only the animals from Baghdad Zoo, but from other smaller zoos and private collections where animals were being kept in hideous conditions. Every pag...more
Here's a well-done Juvenile Nonfiction book that retells the famous story of saving the residents of the Baghdad Zoo during the Iraq War, and in doing so, demonstrates how working together to help animals can bring human beings together even in a war zone.
Numerous sidebars give more in-depth information about the animals being rescued. As is often the case with zoos in the developing world, the standards for animal care and housing are far behind those of Western zoo standards. The book explains...more
Numerous sidebars give more in-depth information about the animals being rescued. As is often the case with zoos in the developing world, the standards for animal care and housing are far behind those of Western zoo standards. The book explains...more
Saving the Baghdad Zoo is an excellent book for upper elementary-age students but will be appealing to other ages too. This is the story of how zoo animals in Baghdad were rescued during the American invasion of Iraq and the efforts to provide a safe home for them as well as a recreation venue for Iraqi citizens. Because the subject matter here is set against a backdrop of war, violence, looting, and terrorism, I was concerned that this book might be too "heavy" for young children. Kelly Milner...more
U.S. Army Major William Sumner, trained in archeology, went to war-torn Iraq in 2003 to restore the Iraqi cultural heritage. But when the need arose for him to help save the abandoned animals at the Baghdad Zoo, and other local zoos, his mission changed. This photo essay may initially draw readers in by the fascinating color photographs, but the text is as impressive. Each short chapter focuses on a different animal that was saved; from pelicans to bears, and even dogs. Sidebars provide addition...more
This is an easy read that does a yeoman job of telling one of the hidden stories of the war. It's not as polished as some other accounts, because the tone throughout is dispassionate and about what you'd expect from a career military officer explaining his work to his young daughters. Nevertheless, it's an affecting read, well-designed, with interesting photographs throughout.
Surprisingly for a book aimed at young adults -- but much to its credit -- the book also ocntains a list of the referenc...more
Surprisingly for a book aimed at young adults -- but much to its credit -- the book also ocntains a list of the referenc...more
the subject of this book was fascinating. It describes the rescue and rehabilitation of the few animals left at the zoo after the initial U.S. bombings in Baghdad. Those that hadn't been taken for sale, or escaped, were living in awful conditions. It's really satisfying to see the photos of the improvements in the animals. Unfortunately, the text is choppy, as if it's been pieced together from the many news articles cited in the book's copious source notes. And the sidebars are kind of intrusive...more
Very well done picture book for older readers, this chronicles the efforts of US troops and other agencies to rescue the animals of the Bagdad Zoo after the war in Iraq began. I first became aware of this effort through the book "Babylon's Ark" by Lawrence Anthony.
This juvenile book has many pictures of the animals before and after they were rescued, along with side bars of information about the war, the animals and key people in the rescue effort. Excellent read and a good resource.
This juvenile book has many pictures of the animals before and after they were rescued, along with side bars of information about the war, the animals and key people in the rescue effort. Excellent read and a good resource.
I liked this book, because it reminded me of the cultural institutions that get shattered in war zone areas. Sometimes I can't tell if the animals actually had great living conditions prior to the bombing, but the story of people's efforts to save them and give them a better life is quite touching. I think kids would really enjoy this book, and it has sidebars so you could read as much or as little as you want.
As an animal lover I enjoyed reading the many stories of saving the animals from the Baghdad Zoo, three Palace zoos, and other animal collections beginning in 2003. The U.S. Army Captain who directed the rescue and rebuilding persevered through many obstacles and gathered support from worldwide organizations, the Iraqi people, and the U.S. Army. This would make a great read-aloud over a series of time!
I'd never heard of this story until I came across this book and it's pretty amazing. It does a great job of being apolitical when giving the background of the war and the people on both sides. The only problem I had was that I wanted to know more about the process. It couldn't have been as easy as was described. Considering this is a children's book though, it's understandable why it was watered down.
This is a fascinating read! I loved the section about Saddam Hussein's son Uday's pet cheetahs and other exotic animals that were abandoned in the palace and needed care. This book covers the humanitarian efforts of soldiers, Iraqi citizens, and volunteers, historical information about the region, as well as facts about the animals rescued in the aftermath of the Iraqi war.
This book recounts the heroic efforts of US soldiers, Iraqi civilians, and international animal advocates to rescue the exotic animals of Baghdad's zoos and private collections after the bombing of Baghdad in 2003. First-hand accounts, photographs, and sidebars provide information about the rescue and rebuilding efforts and additional facts about the animals.
War destroys lives, and not just human lives. A handful of brave people, led by an American Army officer, took on the challenge of saving the animals in zoos all over Baghdad during the Iraq War. With bullets flying around them, they wrangled lions, alligators and many more animals. Heroes come in some surprising shapes.Elementary & Middle School
Jul 25, 2011
Tori
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
adults and children
Shelves:
childrens-nonfiction
I have to admit, I love everything Kelly Milner Halls writes. This story is particularly touching because it is about animals and the effects of war that could easily go unnoticed. When I picked this book up I was reminded of the story of The Faithful Elephants, the story of a Zoo in Tokyo during/after WWII.
Thanks you Kelly for introducing me and a huge audience of students and kids to Major Sumner and his crew.
Thanks you Kelly for introducing me and a huge audience of students and kids to Major Sumner and his crew.
In the midst of destruction, a group of heroic men and women rescued a group of about 100 different animals in Baghdad. Children will love the pictures and easy to read story about the efforts of both Iraqis, Americans, and others who wanted to bring some beauty and hope to a war-torn country.
Jul 14, 2010
Leigh
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
childrens,
juvenile-non-fiction
Fascinating look at what happens to zoo animals during war time. A determined effort by American soldiers, local citizens and animal lovers prevented many animals deaths. A good book to pair with Faithful Friends, a sad story of the fate of elephants during WWII in Japan.
Really cool book that didn't get five stars from me because of the choppy feeling with the huge sidebars on almost every page interrupting the flow of the story. Aside from that, the story itself is amazing, people coming together during a war to save zoo animals.
Very interesting story of how the United States and the Iraqi people were able to resurrect the Baghdad Zoo after severe bombing in the early days of the war. It makes one think about what actually happens when war happens and how it affects the area for years to come.
This was another one of my surprise favorites of the year. It's an amazing story with terrific pictures. If you are looking for a last minute holiday gift for anyone, young or old, this would be a great choice.
Another winner from Kelly Milner Halls to add to my outreach shelf.
More at Reality Rules: bookbetsy.blogspot.com
More at Reality Rules: bookbetsy.blogspot.com
True events surrounding the assault on Iraq and the efforts of US military forces to work with local zoo keepers and save the animals from escape of euthanization.
I liked how each chapter was devoted to one animal's plight. The short summary of facts about each animal in the chapter was nice, too. I learned some interesting facts about the animals. The wording was straight forward and without bias. Particularly nice was how the author included interaction between the soldiers trying to save the zoo and Iraqis.
Because I'm telling Major William Sumner's story, I feel fine about giving the book -- his story -- five stars. I love it. I hope you guys love it too.
Great non-fiction book for use in the classroom. It's interesting and has all the elements of non-fiction except a glossary.
Really interesting recount of the efforts made by U.S. Army Captain William Sumner to rescue and rehabilitate zoo animals in Iraq in 2003.
j590.73 Hal - Great story about saving the zoo animals among the fighting and destruction
Ages 8 and up.
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Kelly Milner Halls specializes in high interest, well researched nonfiction for young readers. Her books include TALES OF THE CRYPTIDS, SAVING THE BAGHDAD ZOO, IN SEARCH OF SASQUATCH and ALIEN INVESTIGATION. But she is also an avid YA fan and loves realistic fiction including GIRL MEETS BOY, the anthology she edited for Chronicle (January 2012). Her first short story is in that anthology. She hope...more
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Mar 22, 2010 08:30am