A zoology full of empathy, a delicately sensitive study of animals for those who live far from them yet are psychologically trained and capable of empathy. Do you know what to do if you encounter a bear? Recently, they are said to be appearing in our regions as well. And did you know that the most famous German budgerigar, Putzi Ragotzi, had a vocabulary of 300 words and was able to independently combine Schnupperle and Pupperle into Schnupppupperle? Do you have an answer to the question of how many octopuses fit into a sperm whale? As early as 1995, Axel Hacke was researching for you, examining wild and tame animals under his linguistic microscope, exploring the inner lives of animals, and creating unforgettable character studies of hyenas and chickens, rhinos and elephants, poodles and pugs, giraffes and cockroaches. With enjoyment and pleasure, we read this cheerful and unique zoology, discovering what we never wanted to know and what has always been – while admiring the enchanting illustrations by Michael Sowa: giraffes playing ball in a lake, rollmops in the sea, a lonely, sad May beetle mourning the last of its kind. A classic of zoology, updated and in a new format – a gift for both animal lovers and animal haters alike.