---
product_id: 1609750
title: "Babylon's Ark: The Incredible Wartime Rescue of the Baghdad Zoo"
price: "17445CFA"
currency: XOF
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
url: https://www.desertcart.sn/products/1609750-babylons-ark-the-incredible-wartime-rescue-of-the-baghdad-zoo
store_origin: SN
region: Senegal
---

# Babylon's Ark: The Incredible Wartime Rescue of the Baghdad Zoo

**Price:** 17445CFA
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- **What is this?** Babylon's Ark: The Incredible Wartime Rescue of the Baghdad Zoo
- **How much does it cost?** 17445CFA with free shipping
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- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.sn](https://www.desertcart.sn/products/1609750-babylons-ark-the-incredible-wartime-rescue-of-the-baghdad-zoo)

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## Description

The astonishing story of the soldiers, conservationists, and ordinary Iraqis who united to save the animals of the Baghdad Zoo When the Iraq war began, conservationist Lawrence Anthony could think of only one thing: the fate of the Baghdad Zoo, caught in the crossfire at the heart of the city. Once Anthony entered Iraq he discovered that hostilities and uncontrolled looting had devastated the zoo and its animals. Working with members of the zoo staff and a few compassionate U.S. soldiers, he defended the zoo, bartered for food on war-torn streets, and scoured bombed palaces for desperately needed supplies. Babylon's Ark chronicles Anthony's hair-raising efforts to save a pride of Saddam's lions, close a deplorable black-market zoo, run ostriches through shoot-to-kill checkpoints, and rescue the dictator's personal herd of Thoroughbred Arabian horses. A tale of the selfless courage and humanity of a few men and women living dangerously for all the right reasons, Babylon's Ark is an inspiring and uplifting true-life adventure of individuals on both sides working together for the sake of magnificent wildlife caught in a war zone.

Review: Save a zoo! Save the world! Lawrence Anthony is a leader for us all! - I'm not much of a nonfiction reader, but after hearing about Lawrence Anthony's book on the CBS Sunday Morning News I had to have it. Ever slowed down the car to let a squirrel or goose get out of your way? Ever caught a small bird or mouse in your garage and taken it outside to set free? Although your animal-loving efforts are certainly appreciated, you will never believe the conflicts Anthony faced to save the Baghdad zoo. Arriving on the cusp of the war, Anthony discovers most of the animals have died of starvation or been stolen by looters. With only 36 animals left, guns firing in the distance, food and supplies stolen, and only a handful of people for a staff, Anthony questions whether he should shoot the animals to end their misery or do what he came to Iraq to do. Save the zoo! As an outsider, Anthony paints an amazing picture of a war-torn country, surrounded by American troops, but his focus stays on the animals. The story he tells of the animals that have survived, either because they have sharp claws or teeth (or both) and could defend themselves, is just haunting. His struggles to provide food, water, and safety are a never ending battle. It was also good to read how many American soldiers helped provide aide. Some soldier's bought an entire flock of sheep with their own money for Anthony to use as food for the carnivores. Lawrence was also responsible for setting up an Iraqi SPCA which closed down a black market zoo and rescued tons of animals that were in even worse conditions. They also went in search of Saddam's million-dollar Arabian horses after they came up missing from Saddam's palace, and they rescued a pack of lions from Uday Hussein's abandoned palace. The stories and struggles are never ending, but Lawrence's determination will definitely inspire you. So far, this is the best book I've read all year! I doubt any other book of such strength and will could ever come close! Animal lover or not, don't miss out on this story. It's a different side of the war that television and news deprives us of!
Review: A Most Amazing and Inspiring Wartime Animal Rescue - One of the best animal rescue books I've ever read. The account is of the devastation that took place in Bagdad at Saddam Hussein's famous zoo there, which housed some magnificent wild animals, many who perished there during the early days of the Iraq War. Some very special conservationists, led by a South African, put their lives on the line trying to rebuild the almost demolished zoo, nurse the wounded animals back to health, locate huge amounts of food for these large animals, create a source of watering, and protect those animals who were left there - from poachers and from the consequences of the neglect and wounds these animals received. This is a story of commitment, perseverance, bravery, ingenuity, teamwork, and most of all, a strong love of, and respect for the animals who were being kept at the Bagdad Zoo. Definitely worth the time to read if you have a heart for saving animals.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Best Sellers Rank | #96,544 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #21 in Animal Rights (Books) #53 in Iraq War History (Books) #153 in Environmentalism |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 2,547 Reviews |

## Images

![Babylon's Ark: The Incredible Wartime Rescue of the Baghdad Zoo - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/815QPjbzpKL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Save a zoo! Save the world! Lawrence Anthony is a leader for us all!
*by S***H on May 25, 2007*

I'm not much of a nonfiction reader, but after hearing about Lawrence Anthony's book on the CBS Sunday Morning News I had to have it. Ever slowed down the car to let a squirrel or goose get out of your way? Ever caught a small bird or mouse in your garage and taken it outside to set free? Although your animal-loving efforts are certainly appreciated, you will never believe the conflicts Anthony faced to save the Baghdad zoo. Arriving on the cusp of the war, Anthony discovers most of the animals have died of starvation or been stolen by looters. With only 36 animals left, guns firing in the distance, food and supplies stolen, and only a handful of people for a staff, Anthony questions whether he should shoot the animals to end their misery or do what he came to Iraq to do. Save the zoo! As an outsider, Anthony paints an amazing picture of a war-torn country, surrounded by American troops, but his focus stays on the animals. The story he tells of the animals that have survived, either because they have sharp claws or teeth (or both) and could defend themselves, is just haunting. His struggles to provide food, water, and safety are a never ending battle. It was also good to read how many American soldiers helped provide aide. Some soldier's bought an entire flock of sheep with their own money for Anthony to use as food for the carnivores. Lawrence was also responsible for setting up an Iraqi SPCA which closed down a black market zoo and rescued tons of animals that were in even worse conditions. They also went in search of Saddam's million-dollar Arabian horses after they came up missing from Saddam's palace, and they rescued a pack of lions from Uday Hussein's abandoned palace. The stories and struggles are never ending, but Lawrence's determination will definitely inspire you. So far, this is the best book I've read all year! I doubt any other book of such strength and will could ever come close! Animal lover or not, don't miss out on this story. It's a different side of the war that television and news deprives us of!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Most Amazing and Inspiring Wartime Animal Rescue
*by I***Y on March 29, 2016*

One of the best animal rescue books I've ever read. The account is of the devastation that took place in Bagdad at Saddam Hussein's famous zoo there, which housed some magnificent wild animals, many who perished there during the early days of the Iraq War. Some very special conservationists, led by a South African, put their lives on the line trying to rebuild the almost demolished zoo, nurse the wounded animals back to health, locate huge amounts of food for these large animals, create a source of watering, and protect those animals who were left there - from poachers and from the consequences of the neglect and wounds these animals received. This is a story of commitment, perseverance, bravery, ingenuity, teamwork, and most of all, a strong love of, and respect for the animals who were being kept at the Bagdad Zoo. Definitely worth the time to read if you have a heart for saving animals.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hits the mark
*by E***E on February 29, 2008*

Anthony, a South African elephant conservationist, was appalled when he heard that the animals at the Kabul zoo were killed in the war in Afghanistan. When the war in Iraq started, he decided to go to Baghdad and help save the animals at the Baghdad zoo from the same fate. Anthony got a real education walking into a war zone and finding the zoo completely looted and all but 30 of the creatures dead or missing. Slowly, and with the help of brave Iraqi vets and zookeepers, concerned American soldiers, and one crazy taxi driver, Anthony helped lead the zoo's recovery into a safe place for the animals and a haven of normalcy for Baghdad families. If a story like this is competently told, it really can't miss, and this one hits the mark. Anthony has many interesting things to say, good stories, and the right combination of indignation and MASH-style humor. The last chapter bogs down in hopeless idealism about international cooperation (IMHO), but this book will be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in the topic or the experiences of an ordinary civilian trying to get something done in a war zone. Reviewer: Liz Clare, co-author of the historical novel To the Ends of the Earth: The Last Journey of Lewis and Clark.

## Frequently Bought Together

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*Last updated: 2026-09-04*