—Two zoos & two directors (one in East Berlin and one in West Berlin) and the Cold War’s strangest proxy war—
The Non-fiction Feature
The Zookeepers’ War: An Incredible True Story from the Cold War
Author: J.W. Mohnhaupt
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 272 | 2020
The Berlin Wall ran right through streets and even houses. Wherever necessary the windows were filled with bricks and mortar. Families were separated, West Berlin sealed off. And block by concrete block, the front lines were drawn between Tierpark and the Berlin Zoo.
The Children’s Spot
Breaking Stalin’s Nose
by Eugene Yelchin
“‘You should know, children, that Sobakin’s father was executed as an enemy of the people,’ says Nina Petrovna. ‘Does it explain his hideous anti-Soviet behavior and the likely fact he was conspiring with Finkelstein? What do you think, children?'”
The Product Spot
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Competition between the two zoos and their directors was fierce, but it was clear that they both loved animals dearly. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums can help you find a zoo and aquarium near you, you can learn about their scientific advisory groups, and find out how you can assist conservation efforts.