Irony of Gerald's love of animals
After being criticized for being obsessed with animals and keeping them as pets by his siblings, Gerald ironically makes a very successful career out of his passion later in life. Gerald Durrell became a famous naturalist, conservationist, and zookeeper, founding a popular zoo in the Channel Island, Jersey.
Irony of writing
Gerald's older brother Larry is an aspiring writer in the novel and often talks about how he is one day going to be a famous writer. Although Larry did become a successful author, ironically so did Gerald Durrell, who wrote a series of books about his childhood in Corfu and the animals he encountered there (including My Family and Other Animals.)
Irony of judgement
Gerald's mother is judged by her relatives and others in England for uprooting their family and taking them to Corfu. However, a childhood in Corfu inspired her son Gerald to become a successful author and conservationist.
