Colchester Zoo is one of the finest zoos in Britain, yet, unlike almost every other major zoo in the country, its story has never been told. Now, the forgotten figures of Frank and Helena Farrar are brought to life in this highly readable book which shows how they founded Colchester Zoo in the 1960s. The story is told of how their domestic life with their exotic animals prompted them to embark on a series of adventures which took them all over the world. Also included is the story of how Colchester Zoo fell apart in the 1980s and how the Tropeano family rescued it. This is a tale of struggle and heartbreak, but also of transformation and redemption, and is a fitting tribute to a great animal institution as it reaches its 50th anniversary.