It's All Happening at the Zoo

“Someone told me
It’s all happening at the zoo
I do believe it
I do believe it’s true.”
Singer / Songwriter Paul Simon

“Checkpoint Zoo” documents a daring rescue led by a heroic team of zookeepers and volunteers who risked their lives to save thousands of animals trapped in a zoo behind enemy lines during the initial Russian invasion of Ukraine. With the recent death of legendary animal activist, Jane Goodall, this film is more appropriate than ever at this moment. Co-producer was Leonardo Dicaprio. NR - 103 min. - English subtitles

You can read the filmmaker’s statement, and read more about the production and the filmmaker below:

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT — Joshua Zeman

When I first heard about the daring rescue of over 5,000 animals during the first weeks of the Russo-Ukrainian War, I knew this was a story that had to be told. As a filmmaker, I have always been driven by a desire to explore the profound connections that bind us — humans and animals alike. However, examining these bonds against the horrors of this war has added an intensity and urgency to that theme, in a way that I could never have ever imagined.

CHECKPOINT ZOO is a testament to that connection and a celebration of those selfless men and women who risked everything to protect their fellow creatures. It has often been said that the brutality of war strips away our humanity – reducing us to nothing more than “animals.” For me, this analogy lies at the heart of CHECKPOINT ZOO. The animals in this film, like the people of Ukraine, have become victims of a conflict they can’t escape, but without the understanding of the purpose of war. But what stands out to me is how these innocent beings, both human and animal, find themselves dependent on each other in their struggle for survival.

For me, the cinematic heart of our documentary lies in the verité of these thrilling evacuations. Whether carrying a half-drugged lion to safety or dodging exploding missiles and mortars, these are moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The drama lies not just in the physical act of rescue, but in the emotional journey. These are heroes who, despite the obvious dangers, chose to act on their deep-seated belief in the value of every life, no matter how seemingly insignificant.

As you watch CHECKPOINT ZOO, I hope you will see what I saw on the faces of these animals and their human counterparts – it is the undeniable truth that our fates are intertwined. In rescuing these animals, we are rescuing our humanity – from the clutches of war. But more so, with every act of kindness and compassion, we are giving each other hope for a better world.

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

Checkpoint Zoo began in the autumn of 2022 when Director Joshua Zeman was captivated by haunting images of a solitary chimpanzee named Chichi wandering through Freedom Square in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Having just finished his award-winning nature documentary The Loneliest Whale: The Search for 52, the scene of this chimpanzee ignited Zeman’s curiosity, leading him to delve into the gripping narrative surrounding the Ecopark.

In November 2022, Zeman and his crew made their first trip to Ukraine, where they began photographing, capturing B-roll, and conducting interviews. These interviews provided the foundation and structure of the film, including the stories of the evacuation efforts and the losses of life that occurred on the volunteers’ rescue missions.

In 2023, Zeman traveled to Ukraine with cinematographers Olivier Sarbil and Nelson Hume on two separate trips. Throughout these trips, Zeman and his team joined local Ukrainian production crews to shoot in cities around Ukraine, interview the principals, and document the Ecopark and the city of Kharkiv, which were still constantly being bombarded by Russian bombs.

During the post-production phase of Checkpoint Zoo, the team faced the formidable task of managing over 120 hours of footage from various sources, including the zoo, volunteer initiatives, and media organizations. To handle the deluge of incoming footage, Zeman, who has expertise in directing editor teams for unscripted episodic television, employed a strategic approach. Multiple editors worked concurrently by segmenting the narrative into distinct components while Zeman ensured a cohesive and compelling portrayal of the harrowing events unfolding at Feldman Ecopark.

The multi-language story posed additional unique post-production challenges, necessitating translators’ collaboration to decipher the nuances of Ukrainian and Russian dialects throughout the footage. This collaborative effort was integral in preserving the authenticity and integrity of the stories captured, underscoring the universal language of compassion that transcends cultural barriers.

Checkpoint Zoo is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, offering a poignant reflection on the power of compassion and solidarity in the face of unimaginable challenges.

About the Filmmaker
About the Filmmaker

Joshua Zeman is an American film director, writer and producer. He is best known for his film and streaming documentaries Cropsey, The Killing Season, Murder Mountain, and The Sons of Sam: A Descent Into Darkness. His most recent project is Checkpoint Zoo, which he both directed and produced.