‘A superb read … brilliantly chronicles the incredible passion, poignancy, and nail-biting excitement in pulling off one of the most inspiring animal rescue stories of all time.’ Graham Spence, co-author of Babylon’s Ark, The Elephant Whisperer and Saving the Last Rhinos

‘If I had not seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t believe any of it either.’ Lieutenant Colonel William Sumner, U.S. Army

There is hope in chaos. Immerse yourself into the humanity and jeopardy of saving animals in post-invasion Baghdad. As the desperation of tigers, lions and a sun-roasted pelican inspired compassionate American soldiers, Iraqis and conservationists to improvise audacious animal rescues, the city simmered, then boiled. The Accidental Invasion of Baghdad Zoo is not just a zoo story, it is a journey into the manic layers of modern Iraq.

The addictive energy of Baghdad comes to life through uplifting missions, tragedy and unshakable camaraderie, suicide bombings, unexpected comedy, Iraqi hospitality and political adventurism. For a year, abandoned palace menageries, Green Zone politicking, raw violence, Saddam Hussein’s stolen Arabian horses, wounded bears and checkpoint puppies spiralled the recovery into animal welfare theatre.

Brendan Whittington-Jones