A View from the Zoo

View from the Zoo

by Gary Richmond

Book by Gary Richmond

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Christian Living, Christian

206 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1987

Reviews

[Rhoda · Rating 5 out of 5]

In A View from the Zoo, the author shares some of his experiences working as a zookeeper in Los Angeles. I found his stories engaging, entertaining, surprising, and, in some cases, a little scary. I discovered this little gem in the sales section at a used bookstore, and I'm so glad I picked it up. The chapters are on the short side, and Mr. Richmond includes Scripture and a biblical lesson that ties in with each of the stories he tells, so it feels more like a devotional (but I read it in one sitting). Highly enjoyed this one and it made a great, quick read while on vacation, and I loved learning about his experiences as a zookeeper.

[Naomi Starling · Rating 5 out of 5]

First absolute all-star winner of the year!!!!!!

I wasn't sure about this book when I picked it up a thrift store, but every page was a delight! It had been regularly laughing out loud and sharing snippets with my husband. But at the same time, it did finally explain to me, quite well, why physical fitness is so important in hiring people at zoos. Both hubby and I had once wanted to work at one, but I can very well say that that is out of my system now!

What I definitely DO want more of is more from this author!! I'll be keeping an eye out for more animal stories from him, and I am THRILLED to see that he turned his adventures into a kids' series of stories with Bible messages! AWESOME!!!! <3 <3 <3

I definitely recommend his work here, as well as his other more mature animal story collections, to any and all animal lovers, Christian or not!

[Amy Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The coolest book. It should be on every shelf. We grew up with my parents reading us the stories in this book and we now do the same for our kids during family worship. It’s delightful and insightful.

The author shares from his personal experiences of working at the Los Angeles zoo. He ties these quirky and often unbelievable (but real!) stories into life lessons and lessons in our walk with the Lord.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book with my sons many years ago, and when I rediscovered it in my book collection, I had to read it again. I am an animal lover. I love zoos. The author, Gary Richmond, was a zoo keeper and also a pastor. He combines interesting stories of his zoo life with spiritual observations. Definitely a book to be enjoyed by those who love a good animal tale.

[T Hohvart · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is really educational and gives you a clear idea on what it would be like on the behind the scenes or spent a long time at the zoo.

[Curtis Sweitzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable stories of his years working at the zoo. mixed with life lessons. Very fun and easy to read

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an older book, but hasn't lost any meaning. Gary Richmond was a zoo keeper for years and as he tells stories about the animals he cared for, he finds life lessons in each. Excellent!!!

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet stories of adventures of a zoo keeper tied in with being human and living in this world God created.

[Jessica IJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

nothing exceptional but i found it interesting how he connected his animal career to his christianity. also makes me very glad about how much zoos have changed since then.

[Emily Gillett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A View From the Zoo, animal man and strong Christian Gary Richmond's autobiography, is a delightful compilation of real-life experiences from Richmond's time as a zookeeper. Each chapter beholds a fresh story ranging from outrageous to hilarious to moving, and includes an intricately woven message Richmond so carefully establishes into the minds of readers. Richmond emphasizes the importance of hard work, perseverance, and especially a solid faith in God. Throughout the book, readers discover the significance of these lessons and their application to daily life while savoring laugh-out-loud tales from the zoo. From a nearly fatal raccoon encounter to a primate on the loose, Richmond never ceases to keep readers guessing just what will happen next. Richmond delivers an excellent read for all ages as he effortlessly combines laughter and life lessons. He surely does not disappoint in this educational and enjoyable book.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're allergic to books that have an obvious lesson to teach, this isn't the book for you. Gary Richmond doesn't hide at all the fact that he's drawing correlations between his experiences and the Christian life. I didn't mind, so I enjoyed this book. The stories were fun (and hair-raising at times), and illustrated some very good points.

[Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this a number of times throughout my childhood and occasionally reflect on the spiritual illustrations. While its definitely very basic in its theology, the truths found in God's creation are a treasure for our understanding of life. Definitely worth reading, and a terrific family read-aloud.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary Richmond does a great job in this book of relating his zookeeper experience with the animals he cared for and how it taught him so much about animals, people, the earth that we share and the God who made us.

[Lisa Rathbun]

I erally enjoyed this and "Please Don't Feed the Bears." Richmond's stories about the zoo are interesting, sometimes funny, sometimes sad, and are followed by spiritual insight or a lesson learned. I will be reading these with my kids for family devotions when they get a little older.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book growing up, and am glad I finally remembered what it was called! This is a fun memoir of a zookeeper's experiences with animals both in and out of the zoo.

[Jeff Noble]

A view from the zoo by Gary Richmond (?)

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute little stories from someone that worked at a zoo- after reading, i had a desire to go to the zoo.

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the author's anectdotes about his time as a zookeeper and equating it to the Christian walk. An uplifting and insightful read!!

[Gabrielle W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved it. would have given 5 stars but with some of the stories he didn't say what happened/how they resolved the issue...left me hanging!