The family left Corfu in 1939, just before the outbreak of the Second World War. The subsequent German occupation of the island was ruthless. Spiros Americanos died heartbroken, asking in a fever for directions to "Henry Miller's house in New York". He died in 1990.3 Apr 2016
What happened to Spiro from the Durrells?
But the bittersweet last meeting ended with Spiro admitting he couldn't escape to England with her and abandon his children. The Durrell family then had their last ever supper in the sea, before they headed back to England for good, leaving Spiro to get on with his life as a dad on the Greek island.12 Jul 2020
Did Louisa and Spiro get together in real life?
In real life, Louisa and Spiro never got together or at least, there's no mention of a relationship in Gerald Durrell's memoir My Family and Other Animals. But from the very beginning of the ITV drama, Georgoulis has been rooting for them to fall in love.29 Apr 2018
Was Spiros Halikiopoulos a real person?
The dashingly charming Spiros Halikiopoulos is based on a real-life friend of the actual Durrell family during their time on the island of Corfu. It's a big help for the cast and viewers alike that actor Alexis Georgoulis finds charm to spare in his portrayal of the unofficial mayor of the island.11 Nov 2018
What did Gerald Durrell do for animals?
Gerald Malcolm Durrell. British naturalist and conservationist Gerald Malcolm Durrell (1925–1995) devoted his life to the preservation of wild animal species and in 1958 created a wildlife preserve on the Channel Island of Jersey dedicated to scientific research and protect ing endangered species.23 May 2018
What animals did Gerald Durrell save?
Between the foundation and Durrell several species were saved from extinction like the Mauritius kestrel, the pink pigeon and the Mauritius parakeet. Gerald Durrell even chose the Dodo, the flightless bird from Mauritius that was hunted to extinction in the 17th century, as his logo for the Jersey Zoo.
How did Gerald Durrell change zoos?
By the mid-1950s Durrell had made major contributions to a number of English zoos, including more than 25 new species for the London Zoo. However, he became increasingly attached to the creatures he collected, and decided to create his own zoo devoted to unusual wildlife.23 May 2018
Did Mrs Durrell have a relationship with Spiro?
English widow Louisa Durrell fell for Spiro after he helped her family settle into their new home in Corfu, Greece. In the final episode, the pair had one last meeting where Louisa was seen chasing Spiro down the beach before they declared their mutual love.12 Jul 2020
Was Spiro a real person in The Durrells?
Bizarrely, back in the 80s when Gerald Durrell's trilogy of novels was first adapted for TV, the part of Spiros was played by Brian Blessed with a Greek accent (yes, really). And when it was adapted again for 2005 TV movie My Family and Other Animals, British Iranian actor Omid Djalili stepped into the role.
Why did Gerald Durrell want his own zoo?
He wanted them to help the conservation movement by setting up breeding colonies of endangered species. This was to accompany efforts to preserve wild habitats and wild populations, Animals bred in captivity would be released into the wild when their habitats were safe. Of course funds were a problem.16 Sept 2010