A gorilla in the guest room
b'A Gorilla in the Guest House depicts the relationship between a gorilla N\\u2019Pongo and his master, Mr. Durrell. A large gamut of Gerald Durrell\\u2019s stories were semi-autobiographical, based on his real life experiences with animals, and A Gorilla in the Guest House is no exception in this regard.\\n\\nIn this short story, Gerald Durrell has critiqued the condition of wildlife conservation in the world. He mentions how newfound governments like those of Africa were so busy proving their worth to the world that they let issues like wildlife conservation slide through. The apathy of the rich classes towards the cause of animals is also hinted at through Jacquie\\u2019s and Hope\\u2019s pessimism that Mr. Durrell will not be able to crowd-fund the purchase of the rare specie he wished to conserve. Durrell also sheds light on the mismanagement practiced by many animal conservation establishments that failed to secure mates for their animals \\u2013 something that is important for an animal\\u2019s well-being. Lastly, the cruelty of humans in dealing with animals is also hinted at through the scar in Nandy\\u2019s skull, which was given to her by the human who caught her.\\n\\nThrough this short story, we learn that maintaining a zoo is no easy task. One not only has to acquire animals but also has to take care of their well-being. We get to know about the anxieties of zookeepers through the episode when N\\u2019Pongo falls critically ill. The episode was such a tumultuous one for Mr. Durrell that he was even ready to cancel an important work trip to France to stay back and ensure his ape\\u2019s recovery. The dedication and concern Mr. Durrell showed during that period gives us insights into the deep love that wildlife conservationists have in their hearts for animals.\\n\\nThis short story also narrates in endearing details two beautiful relationships: one between the zookeeper and his animals, and one between N\\u2019Pongo and his mate Nandy. Mr. Durrell and N\\u2019Pongo were barely like master and pet. Both of them got along well as if they were friends. The relationship between N\\u2019Pongo and Nandy is also revealed through loving details \\u2013 such as the small fights the apes get into and the plans they devised through which both of them could share the space of the common cage.'