Our Gigantic Zoo

In this insightful exploration, Thomas M. Lekan delves into the controversial history behind the Serengeti's rise as a premier African conservation site and safari destination. Focusing on the influential role of Bernhard Grzimek, a prominent European conservationist, Lekan recounts how Grzimek and his son worked to transition the Serengeti from an imperial game reserve to a sanctuary for wildlife, all while navigating the complex legacies of colonialism and the rights of local communities. Through Grzimek's media efforts and diplomatic endeavors, he successfully generated international interest and funding, significantly shaping Tanzania's national park system by the mid-1970s.