The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle · Chapter
The Private Zoo explained
Doctor Dolittle shows Tommy Stubbins his private zoo, which is designed so that animals can come and go freely, with doors that open from the inside.
What happens
Doctor Dolittle shows Tommy Stubbins his private zoo, which is designed so that animals can come and go freely, with doors that open from the inside. He introduces various animals, including a two-headed pushmi-pullyu, and explains his philosophy against keeping lions and tigers in captivity. The tour continues with butterfly-houses and aquariums, and Polynesia brings news of guinea-pigs seeking refuge.
Themes in this chapter
Freedom vs. Confinement
The Doctor's zoo allows animals to lock themselves in from the inside, emphasizing voluntary stay over forced captivity, and he passionately argues against caging lions and tigers.
Kindness and Compassion
The Doctor's care for the animals' happiness and his refusal to keep big cats in captivity reflect deep compassion for their natural needs.
Characters to notice
- Doctor Dolittle
Leads Tommy through the private zoo, explaining its design and his views on animal captivity.
- Tommy Stubbins
Visits the private zoo for the first time, asking questions about the animals and their living conditions.
- Polynesia
Interrupts the tour to inform the Doctor about two guinea-pigs seeking shelter.
Key passages
“In my zoo the doors open from the inside, not from the out. The locks are only there so the animals can go and shut themselves in any time they want to get away from the annoyance of other animals or from people who might come here.”
The animals have the freedom to lock themselves in for privacy, but they are never locked in against their will.
Highlights the Doctor's philosophy of voluntary habitation.
“If I had my way, Stubbins, there wouldn't be a single lion or tiger in captivity anywhere in the world. They never take to it. They're never happy.”
The Doctor believes that big cats should never be kept in zoos because they are inherently unhappy in confinement.
Expresses the Doctor's strong ethical stance against caging large predators.