Our Zoo
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Our Zoo
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Narrated by:
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Emily Pennant-Rea
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By:
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June Mottershead
About this listen
A wonderfully nostalgic memoir detailing the fascinating lives of the working class family behind the phenomenally successful Chester Zoo.
When George Mottershead moved to the village of Upton-by-Chester in 1930 to realise his dream of opening a zoo without bars, his four-year-old daughter June had no idea how extraordinary her life would become. Soon her best friend was a chimpanzee called Mary, lion cubs and parrots were vying for her attention in the kitchen, and finding a bear tucked up in bed was no more unusual than talking to a tapir about granny's lemon curd. Pelican, penguin, or polar bear - for June, they were simply family.
The early years were not without their obstacles for the Mottersheads. They were shunned by the local community, bankruptcy threatened and then World War Two began. Nightly bombing raids turned the dream into a nightmare and finding food for the animals became a constant challenge. Yet George's resilience, resourcefulness and tenacity eventually paid off. Now over 80 years since June first set foot in the echoing house, Chester Zoo has achieved worldwide renown. Here, in her enthralling memoir, June Mottershead chronicles the heartbreak, the humour, the trials and triumphs, above all the characters, both human and animal, who shaped her childhood.
©2014 June Mottershead (P)2014 Headline DigitalListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about Our Zoo
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Helen M
- 02-07-17
another era
an insight into unusual 20th century entrepreneurship hard work dedication and a happy ending perfect
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Cec
- 17-03-15
love it , could not stop listening
Love hearing how Chester Zoo started. Going with your dream. Specially as it is local.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Sarah
- 05-04-15
Could not put it down
loved it!! could not put it down! draws you in as you wang to know more about ghe people and animals
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Deborah
- 31-01-17
Loved this book
I was so very sad when this finished and I wanted to hear more. Thoroughly recommend this beautifully read story from a bygone era
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Kay Briggs
- 19-02-21
A must read for any animal lover
Such an inspiring story, I would have loved to have heard more. You get a real insight into building a successful business in such testing times.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- jillian grant
- 28-08-16
A captivating read.
What made the experience of listening to Our Zoo the most enjoyable?
Hearing about many of the animals that stayed at the zoo.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Our Zoo?
Haven't got one.
Which scene did you most enjoy?
None in particular.
If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
Don't know. Don't watch films.
Any additional comments?
For me, the fact that it ends with June getting married leaves this book unfinished. I want to know what happened after that to both her, her family and the zoo. Think the narrator read it well.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anaveildra
- 09-07-20
Brilliantly written, read and a gorgeous story!!
The narrator had a lovely voice, perfect for the story. This is a must read for anyone who has been to Chester Zoo.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Lucy W
- 02-01-17
Thoroughly enjoyable
What made the experience of listening to Our Zoo the most enjoyable?
Well written by June Mottershead with just the right blend of humour, sadness and realism to keep you wanting to learn more.
Emily Pennant-Rea read well and was easy to listen too. Enough change of tone to be interesting without sounding false.
What did you like best about this story?
I have not been to a zoo for many years but would be interested in going to see this one and see first hand where it all began.
Have you listened to any of Emily Pennant-Rea’s other performances? How does this one compare?
Never listened to her before but would have no hesitation in listening again both to this book or another.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes, although I didn't for purely practical reasons
Any additional comments?
Definitely recommend this book. I saw the tv series and found that listening to this book enhanced my memories of the tv series.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Lisa ann
- 15-01-15
Amazing better than the TV show
Amazing story, made me cry twice with the dogs story and Christie the lion cub!
Would defo recommend to any reader young or old, and I'm 37 !
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Robert
- 30-11-14
Truly Macical
Where does Our Zoo rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
A great true story. Really hope June will give us all another installment of her families adventures building a collection without bars.
What other book might you compare Our Zoo to, and why?
Our Zoo, is gripping and funny like the best James Herriot and Gerald Durrel stories. If you enjoyed My Family and Other Animals and Every Living Thing, I'm sure you'll love our zoo.
What does Emily Pennant-Rea bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?
Emily brings a real warmth to the story. Look forward to listening to more books read by Emily.
If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
Chaos in the country
Any additional comments?
An around great listen. 5 Stars. Hoping for a second installment "our zoo two"
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