A Zoo in My Luggage Book Summary - A Zoo in My Luggage Book explained in key points

A Zoo in My Luggage summary

Brief summary

A Zoo in My Luggage is a delightful memoir by Gerald Durrell that chronicles his humorous and adventurous journey to capture exotic animals for his own private zoo. It's a heartwarming and entertaining read for animal lovers.

Give Feedback
Topics
Table of Contents

    A Zoo in My Luggage
    Summary of key ideas

    Starting the Zoo

    In A Zoo in My Luggage by Gerald Durrell, the author recounts his adventurous journey to West Africa with his wife, Jacquie, to collect animals for his new zoo. The couple, along with their guide, John, and a few local helpers, set out to capture a variety of wildlife. They capture a diverse array including a python, a parrot, and a baby elephant named Rosy.

    However, their journey is not without its challenges. They face treacherous terrains, unpredictable weather, and the constant threat of getting attacked by the wild animals they aim to capture. Despite these obstacles, they manage to bring back an impressive collection of animals to England.

    Temporary Homes and Hilarious Incidents

    Once back in England, the newly acquired animals are temporarily housed in a variety of unsuitable places, including a small hotel, a garden shed, and even the author's own bedroom. These makeshift arrangements often lead to chaotic and hilarious situations. For instance, Durrell describes an incident where the baby elephant, Rosy, takes a liking to the author's bed and refuses to leave, leading to a comical tug-of-war.

    Another amusing incident involves a mischievous chimpanzee named Cholmondeley, who constantly outsmarts his human caretakers and causes mayhem. Such anecdotes provide a lighthearted touch to the story, even as Durrell struggles to find a permanent home for his growing menagerie.

    The Search for a Permanent Home

    Durrell's quest for a permanent home for his zoo takes him through a series of misadventures. He encounters a variety of eccentric characters, including an unhelpful landlord, a skeptical bank manager, and an overzealous building inspector, all of whom add to the author's woes. Despite these obstacles, Durrell remains determined to provide a suitable habitat for his animals.

    After numerous setbacks, Durrell finally secures a plot of land and begins constructing his zoo. The process is not without its challenges, but with the help of his loyal team and a few innovative solutions, the zoo eventually takes shape. The author's passion for wildlife and his determination to provide the best care for his animals shine through in these chapters.

    A Heartwarming Conclusion

    In the final section of A Zoo in My Luggage, Durrell's zoo is finally open to the public. The author takes great joy in sharing his love for animals with the visitors, especially the children, who are delighted by the unique collection of creatures. Durrell's deep affection for his animals and his commitment to their welfare are evident throughout, making the conclusion of the book heartwarming and satisfying.

    In conclusion, A Zoo in My Luggage is a delightful and entertaining account of Gerald Durrell's early days as a zookeeper. His love for animals, his adventurous spirit, and his ability to find humor in challenging situations make this book a captivating read for animal lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is A Zoo in My Luggage about?

    A Zoo in My Luggage is a delightful memoir by Gerald Durrell that recounts his adventurous journey to capture wild animals in Cameroon and bring them back to England. Filled with humor and heartwarming anecdotes, Durrell shares the challenges and joys of caring for his exotic menagerie, offering a unique glimpse into the world of animal conservation and the bond between humans and wildlife.

    A Zoo in My Luggage Review

    A Zoo in My Luggage (1960) follows Gerry Durrell's adventures as he collects animals for his zoo in England. Here's why this book is a gem:
    • It offers a charming glimpse into the world of wildlife conservation, showcasing Durrell's dedication to preserving endangered species.
    • The book's humorous anecdotes and vivid descriptions make the animal-collecting process entertaining and informative.
    • Through Durrell's passionate storytelling, readers are transported to exotic locations, fostering a deep appreciation for the beauty and importance of wildlife.

    Who should read A Zoo in My Luggage?

    • Animal lovers who enjoy humorous and heartwarming stories about exotic creatures

    • Travel enthusiasts who are curious about exploring the wild and remote regions of the world

    • Readers who appreciate the unique perspective and entertaining writing style of Gerald Durrell

    About the Author

    Gerald Durrell was a renowned British naturalist, zookeeper, and author. He dedicated his life to wildlife conservation and education, founding the Jersey Zoo and the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. Durrell's passion for animals and the natural world is evident in his many books, including My Family and Other Animals, The Bafut Beagles, and Three Singles to Adventure. His works not only entertain readers with humorous and captivating stories but also raise awareness about the importance of protecting endangered species and their habitats.

    Categories with A Zoo in My Luggage

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    36 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Get started

    A Zoo in My Luggage FAQs 

    What is the main message of A Zoo in My Luggage?

    The main message of A Zoo in My Luggage is the humorous and adventurous tale of collecting animals for a zoo.

    How long does it take to read A Zoo in My Luggage?

    Reading A Zoo in My Luggage takes a few hours, while the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is A Zoo in My Luggage a good book? Is it worth reading?

    A Zoo in My Luggage is a delightful read for animal lovers and those craving a unique travel adventure.

    Who is the author of A Zoo in My Luggage?

    Gerald Durrell is the author of A Zoo in My Luggage.

    What to read after A Zoo in My Luggage?

    If you're wondering what to read next after A Zoo in My Luggage, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
    • Fox by Martin Wallen
    • The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
    • The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
    • Green Illusions by Ozzie Zehner
    • Energy Myths and Realities by Vaclav Smil
    • Fukushima by David Lochbaum, Edwin Lyman, Susan Q. Stranahan and the Union of Concerned Scientists
    • The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels by Alex Epstein
    • Should We Eat Meat? by Vaclav Smil
    • Cradle to Cradle by William McDonough and Michael Braungart