The Zookeeper's Wife

In the 1930s, Dr. Jan Żabiński took charge of Warsaw's largest zoo, where he worked alongside his wife Antonina. Their collaborative efforts not only showcased their commitment to animal conservation but also reflected their strong partnership during a time of growing unrest in Europe.

On September 1, 1939, the aerial bombardment of Warsaw marked the beginning of the Invasion of Poland. Amidst the chaos and destruction, Jan and Antonina managed a daring escape with their son Ryszard, setting the stage for their subsequent acts of courage.

Dr. Lutz Heck, the head of the Berlin Zoo, arrived in Warsaw under the guise of a professional collaborator. However, it soon became clear that his intentions were nefarious, as he sought to eliminate the Żabińskis' animals under the pretense of relocation.

As the war escalated, Jan and Antonina were approached by their Jewish friends, Maurycy Fraenkel and Magda Gross, who sought refuge from the horrors of the Ghetto. The Żabińskis courageously transformed their zoo into a sanctuary, providing safety for those fleeing persecution.

To protect those they sheltered and mislead the occupying forces, the Żabińskis devised a plan to convert the zoo into a pig farm. Surprisingly, Heck accepted this proposition, believing it would help him in his ambitions to breed an aurochs.

Jan ventured into the Ghetto under the guise of collecting garbage to rescue people trapped in dire circumstances. He used trucks to transport these individuals to the zoo, providing them with temporary safety amidst the chaos.

The Żabiński home became a complex of hidden tunnels and chambers, ensuring the safety of those in hiding. As Antonina played calming piano melodies at night, it signified to the concealed individuals that it was safe to emerge.

In 1942, tragedy struck as the Germans began transporting Jews to death camps. Jan's heart sank when Janusz Korczak, the head of a children's orphanage, refused to abandon his charges, leading to a harrowing moment for Jan as he was forced to assist in the loading of terrified children into cattle cars.

As Heck's inappropriate feelings for Antonina grew, the harmony within the Żabiński household began to fray. The pressures of war and Heck's increasing presence created a volatile situation, putting the sanctuary they had built at risk.

When the Warsaw Uprising erupted, Jan grappled with the urge to fight for his homeland while longing to be reunited with his wife. The dynamic between Antonina and Heck intensified, with their lives hanging in the balance during this critical moment in history.

Heck unexpectedly visited the Żabiński home, questioning young Ryszard about his parents' whereabouts. Ryszard displayed remarkable bravery, defiantly rebuking Heck's inquiries, thereby defusing the tension but heightening the risk of exposure.

By January 1945, with the promise of peace on the horizon, Antonina's anxiety sharpens regarding Jan's safety. Her desperation to connect with Heck leads to a brutal confrontation, fracturing her spirit as she mourns the loss of innocence and safety.

In the months following the Nazi surrender, Warsaw began to reclaim its strength. Antonina returned to the ravaged zoo, accompanied by Jerzyk, the devoted keeper, eager to restore the sanctuary where they had sheltered so many.

Jan returned home after surviving a prison camp, reuniting with Antonina, who had endured so much in his absence. In a poignant act of defiance, they painted Stars of David on the zoo's cages as a symbol of resilience and hope.

The Żabińskis were honored by Yad Vashem for their selfless efforts, which helped save over 300 Jewish lives from persecution. Their legacy became a symbol of human dignity and moral courage amidst the horrors of war.