David Grazian

After decades volunteering at a variety of zoos in the US, and interviews and research, David Grazian presents a very thorough analysis of every aspect of American zoos, from their beginning to staff anecdotes to public perception.

I was expecting this book to be rather fluffy and saccharine but it is anything but. I have never before felt so seen as a zoo volunteer and as someone who believes in the possibilities of zoos. The detail in the text and the endnotes was astounding. Grazian does not shy away from negative stories about zoos but he always emphasizes how hardworking and well-intentioned (and underpaid and unappreciated) the vast majority of zoo staff are. So many books about zoos just shallowly wonder if anyone has ever considered whether zoos should exist, while this book reflects the actual conversations that zoo professionals have about what purpose zoos serve and what they can do to improve and what their place is in the future. I’m so glad I have this book in my collection because I will definitely be coming back to it. Will it appeal to anyone who isn’t very invested in zoos? I’m not sure.… (more)