A professor of zoology finds his professional detachment challenged when he discovers a pair of rare apes in the London Zoo are on the verge of mating. Professor Percy Darryll becomes obsessed with protecting the privacy of the apes, whom he names Percy and Edwina, from the prying eyes of the public and the interference of zoo officials. His objective is to ensure the natural behavior of the animals remains undisturbed, leading him to engage in clandestine activities that pit him against the rigid bureaucracy of the institution. The narrative framework employs a sharp, observational tone to examine the intersection of human voyeurism and animal instinct. The story unfolds as a series of escalating complications that test the professor's moral boundaries and his commitment to his scientific principles.

Readers and critics frequently note the sharp, witty prose that characterizes this work. Discussion often centers on the author's ability to balance a lighthearted, satirical tone with deeper questions regarding human nature and the ethics of scientific observation. The pacing is often described as brisk, moving efficiently through the professor's increasingly desperate attempts to shield the apes from public scrutiny. Many highlight the effectiveness of the atmosphere, which captures the specific, somewhat claustrophobic environment of mid-century London institutions. The thematic threads regarding the absurdity of human social structures in the face of primal instincts remain a primary point of interest for those analyzing the text.