This memoir investigates the daily challenges and unique professional demands of serving as a veterinarian for a major zoological garden. The author, Oliver Graham-Jones, draws upon his extensive career at the London Zoo to provide an account of the logistical and physical hurdles involved in treating exotic wildlife. He details the transition from traditional veterinary practice to the specialized care required for animals ranging from primates to large predators, emphasizing the necessity of improvisation in high-stakes medical environments.

This work provides a candid, observational look at the realities of animal husbandry and medical care within a zoo setting. The narrative style suggests an accessible, firsthand account that prioritizes the technical and physical challenges faced by the author in his professional capacity.