The Zookeepers' War

“As riveting as any Cold War spy novel. The Zookeepers’ War is an immaculately researched, moving tale of two zoo directors whose careers became a microcosm of the struggle between two antagonistic ways of life. A captivating read.” – Elena Gorokhova, author of Russian Tattoo
“J. W. Mohnhaupt’s engrossing tale features a mix of just about everything: outsized ambitions, clashing personalities, Cold War drama, and animals galore. It also encapsulates Germany’s history from the end of World War II until reunification. Quite a feat – and a must read.” – Andrew Nagorski, bestselling author of 1941: The Year Germany Lost the War
“With the Stasi chipping in for a pair of bears, Ho Chi Minh sending an elephant, and the Kennedys gifting a decrepit bald eagle, J. W. Mohnhaupt’s portrait of two dueling Berlin zoos gives us a new understanding of the term ‘political animal.’ This quirky and delightful account of captive critters and soft (and occasionally scaly) diplomacy is colorful, provocative, and ultimately about the very human notions of power, pleasure, and the nature of freedom.” – Abby Tucker, bestselling author of The Lion in the Living Room
“The book is subtitled ‘An Incredible True Story from the Cold War,’ and for once that’s no exaggeration.” * Daily Mail *
“The liveliness of [Mohnhaupt’s] storytelling and the wonderful eccentricity of his subject matter make this book well worth a read.” * Minneapolis Star-Tribune *
“A charming account of a decades-long rivalry between Heinrich Dathe, the dour, scholarly, former Nazi zoologist and educator who founded and directed East Berlin’s zoo, called the Tierpark, and Heinz-Georg Klös, the opportunistic, insecure veterinarian turned administrator… of the West Berlin zoo… As frenemies for nearly half a century, they encapsulate the larger saga of the great city, the era, and a world in conflict…” * Air Mail *
“A highly entertaining true story that is sure to delight history buffs and general audiences alike.” * America Magazine *
“Cold War Berlin bursts to life in this riveting, lively German bestseller chronicling the fierce rivalry between zoos on either side of the Iron Curtain… Mohnhaupt is a keen guide to the difficulties of a divided Berlin and to the enchantment of a career devoted to wild animals.” * Publishers Weekly *
“An offbeat tale from the Cold War… with plenty of near-comical turns.” * Kirkus Reviews *

Jan Mohnhaupt has written for many of Germany’s leading newspapers and magazines. The Zookeepers’ War is his first book to be translated into English. He lives in Munich, where he’s happy to be close to one of his favorite zoos.

Shelley Frisch’s award-winning translations from German include biographies of Friedrich Nietzsche, Albert Einstein, Marlene Dietrich, Leni Riefenstahl, and Franz Kafka. She lives in Princeton, New Jersey.

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