Summary of “A Day in the Zoo”

About the author

Gerald Durrell was an English zookeeper, conservationist and author born in 1925 and passed away in 1995. He established the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and the Jersey Zoo (now known as Durrell Wildlife Park) in 1958. Durrell is widely known for his passion for animals and for writing several books based on his experiences and life as an animal enthusiast. His books have been translated into multiple languages and have become popular worldwide.

(70 words)

Introduction of the story

The story is about the daily life of a person who owns and lives in a zoo. The narrator describes the routine of waking up before dawn to the sound of birdsong, observing the animals in their enclosures, and ensuring the safety of both animals and visitors throughout the day.

(50 words)

Summary of the Story

The author describes the daily routine of running a zoo from the perspective of the owner. The day starts before dawn with the sounds of birds singing and the animals in the zoo waking up. The staff arrives at 8 am, and the owner checks to ensure that everything is right in the zoo. The animals are excited to start a new day and move about their cages. Visitors begin arriving at 10 a.m., and the owner and staff must remain vigilant to prevent visitors from harming the animals. As the day progresses, the light changes and the animals’ behaviour changes too. The white-faced owls open their eyes, and the chimpanzees quarrel over the straw. The day ends with the moon rising, and the lions coughing. The author highlights the challenges of running a zoo and ensuring the safety of the animals while dealing with uncivilized visitor behaviour. Despite the challenges, the author seems to have a deep connection and appreciation for the animals in their care, and the beauty of nature that surrounds them.

(175 words)

The theme of the story

The theme of the story is the daily routine of zoo life, from the perspective of the zookeeper who lives on the premises. It highlights the excitement and challenges of caring for animals, as well as the need to protect them from human visitors who may behave irresponsibly. The story also emphasizes the beauty of nature and the peacefulness of a zoo at night.

(60 words)

Characters of the story

• The narrator, who owns and runs the zoo
• The animals, including gorillas, parrots, mongooses, reptiles, frogs, and more
• The zoo staff, including Stephen, Mike, and Jeremy help take care of the animals and clean their cages
• Visitors to the zoo, can sometimes behave uncivilized and endanger the animals.

Conclusion of the story

This story follows the daily life of a zoo owner who works around the clock. They start their day before sunrise, tending to the animals and observing their behaviour. Throughout the day, they monitor the animals and ensure visitors do not harm them. As night falls, the zoo becomes quieter, and the animals prepare for sleep. The story ends with the anticipation of a new day and the responsibility of protecting the animals. It highlights the importance of protecting animals from human harm and the dedication needed to run a zoo.

(90 words)