The book is a detailed account of the establishment and development of the Zoological Garden in Kolkata, highlighting the contributions of some noted figures especially R. B. Sanyal who was closely associated with the zoological garden especially in its initial phase. Beginning with the proposal for the setting up of a zoo, the vision behind it and the choice of the site, it discusses its development in various phases: the initial phase, the transitional phase and the critical phase. It deals with the efforts of R. B. Sanyal who was involved in intense research work in the zoo and in his library. It details his scientific achievements especially his writings that throw vivid light on not only his preoccupation with the institution but also its course of development through the years.