This work investigates the operational complexities and conservation objectives of a major metropolitan zoological institution. Michael Chinery utilizes his background in natural history to document the daily functions of the London Zoo, ranging from animal husbandry to scientific research. The text provides a comprehensive overview of how modern zoos balance public exhibition with the critical work of breeding and preserving rare species.

The text serves as a detailed, observational record of mid-twentieth-century zoological practices and institutional management. It provides a structured look at the logistical and biological challenges inherent in maintaining a large-scale animal collection for both public education and scientific advancement.