Keeping the Zoo

"Calling all animal lovers!  ou do not want to miss your chance of reading this incredible life story of a man that helped propel the zoological community to the future all while living as an honorable and respectable human being. You won't be able to put this book down. It is one of my most favorite I have ever read. I cannot say enough good things about "Keeping the Zoo". It is entertaining, funny, witty and captivating. If you are a fan of animals and conservation, please read this book. For those that believe zoos are cruel, give this memoir a few days of your time and your perspective will be entirely changed. Zoos are the future of conservation and this book will inspire the next generation of conservationists, just as it has inspired me."

"Lions, tigers, bears, oh my! And dozens of other exotic animals are brought to life in this beautifully written memoir by John Horton Houck. I’ll have to admit that I was with John for the first couple of decades of his wonderful career, and he’s given me more lines than I deserve, but my bias aside, I can attest the accuracy on these pages. It brought back fond memories for me and will create new memories for the reader. Don’t miss this book. You won’t be able to put it down."

"An exquisite memoir, Keeping the Zoo, by John Houck delights and educates.
Houck’s wide-ranging stories include each and every animal one could wish for.  It was as if I’d been on an incredible journey through time and space by way of the zoo.  The author’s personal experiences with snakes, birds, wild cats and so many more, are hilarious and harrowing, but in all ways, gratifying. John’s employment began in 1974 when the function of a zoo was mainly entertainment. Following the 44 years of his career we can understand the evolution into a more scientific and conservational approach, always with “what’s best for the animal” foremost.
Keeping the Zoo was to be savored. Rather than devouring it immediately, I read one chapter at a time and was mindful of connections made.  The author has a knack of bringing to life the animals who become major characters in a brilliant play. I cheered for Robusto, the dipper (bird), worried for the future of oil coated otters, and accepted the end of the pachyderm era."