The Zookeeper

A former Interior Ministry official and Communist party member who now works at a zoo. He becomes a caretaker for the animals and forms a bond with Luisa the Capuchin monkey. He faces moral tests in the siege, mentors Zioig, and asserts that grown men can still cry, guiding others toward humanity amid chaos.

Militia leader enforcing the siege at the capital. He justifies brutality through racial prejudice and uses intimidation to control people and animals. He confronts Ludovic, arrests the Vet, and later seeks to seize the zoo’s animals for food.

An Indian veterinarian who helps Ludovic care for the zoo’s animals. He embodies care and practical wisdom, telling Ludovic that good men do the right thing in bad times. He is ultimately killed by Dragov’s forces.

Zioig’s mother and a prison camp survivor who recounts her traumatic experiences. She seeks safety for her son and forms a fragile bond with Ludovic before being killed by a sniper.

A ten-year-old orphan separated from his mother. He shows resourcefulness and resilience, steals supplies, and experiences both anger and longing. He eventually seeks protection from Ludovic and participates in the family’s fragile survival.

A militiaman serving Dragov who participates in the occupation of the zoo and is killed during the escalating violence.