Saving the Baghdad Zoo: A True Story of Hope and Heroes - Hardcover

Halls, Kelly Milner; Sumner, William

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 006177202X ISBN 13: 9780061772023

Publisher: Greenwillow Books, 2010

Synopsis

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 Captain Sumner accepted a new mission. Together with an international team of zoologists, veterinarians, conservationists, and dedicated animal lovers, Captain Sumner worked tirelessly to save the neglected—but tenacious—animals of Baghdad.

Saving the Baghdad Zoo tells the poignant stories of these remarkable animals. Meet the abandoned lions who roamed an empty palace with no food or drink; the camel, Lumpy, who survived transport through sniper fire; the tigers, Riley and Hope, who traveled 7,000 miles from home; and many more.

The Baghdad Zoo, open once again to the people of Iraq, has become an oasis of hope and safety in a city where both are precious gifts.

About this title

About the Author:

Kelly Milner halls is the author of more than twenty acclaimed books for children. She has also written articles for numerous publications, including Teen People, Highlights for Children, the Chicago Tribune, and the Washington Post. Kelly Milner Halls lives in Spokane, Washington.

Major William Sumner served as a captain with the U.S. Army 354th Civil Affairs Brigade. Since completing his tour of duty in Iraq, Sumner has been assigned to the U.S. Strategic Command and promoted to major. He continues to support efforts at the Baghdad Zoo and has worked with the U.S. Committee of the Blue Shield to protect cultural heritage in conflict areas. He holds master's degrees in education and archaeology and is currently pursuing a doctorate in biodefense. Major Sumner lives with his wife and two daughters in Nebraska.

Major William Sumner served as a captain with the U.S. Army 354th Civil Affairs Brigade. Since completing his tour of duty in Iraq, Sumner has been assigned to the U.S. Strategic Command and promoted to major. He continues to support efforts at the Baghdad Zoo and has worked with the U.S. Committee of the Blue Shield to protect cultural heritage in conflict areas. He holds master's degrees in education and archaeology and is currently pursuing a doctorate in biodefense. Major Sumner lives with his wife and two daughters in Nebraska.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 5–8—War means bombs falling, buildings destroyed, humans fleeing to safety if they can. But what of zoo animals locked in their cages? As then U.S. Army Captain William Sumner was horrified to discover, they die from lack of food and water, they are butchered for human consumption, and they are stolen by dealers in exotic animals. Or, like those described in this book, they have grittily clung to life in appalling conditions. Asked by a commander to "look at a 'small' zoo" (actually, one of the largest in the Middle East), Sumner discovered a large one, plus three smaller "palace" zoos, and a number of other menageries. Animals were starving, thirsty, and unkempt. Volunteers miraculously appeared; support arose; zoological societies, veterinarians, and international wildlife groups offered aid and advice; and Sumner and his recruits got to work. This book chronicles their efforts—and the rehabilitation—of some of the zoo's residents. Saedia, a nearly blind brown bear who had never felt grass under her feet; Lumpy the camel, starved and dehydrated; and Saddam's personal pet cheetahs are just some of the creatures that appear in these poignant stories. Many color photos, some especially crisp or moving, document the efforts. While the Baghdad Zoo is no sterling example of what a modern zoological park ought to be, it is a shining example of human efforts to provide care and comfort to abandoned animals and to offer a sort of sanctuary to Iraqi residents whose lives have been drastically disrupted. Inspiring, yes, and a tad disturbing, but an important social record.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About this edition

• Publisher: Greenwillow Books
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 006177202X
• ISBN 13: 9780061772023
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 64
• Illustrator: Sumner William