The Zookeeper

Set during a civil war in the Balkans, this drama follows Jonah Ludovic, a custodian at a small city zoo. After a night of intense shelling, most of the staff flee the facility. Ludovic stays behind, forming a small team with a veterinarian and an older guard to ensure the animals survive until an international zoological mission can rescue them. While attempting to keep the conflict outside the zoo walls, Ludovic is forced to help a mother and her ten-year-old son.

The film was directed by Ralph Ziman, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Matthew Bishop. This production was the first of three listed in Ziman's directorial career, followed by Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema and Kite. The cast is led by Sam Neill as Ludovic, appearing alongside Gina McKee, Ulrich Thomsen, Om Puri, Marek Vašut, and Javor Loznica.

Produced in the Czech Republic with a budget of 6 million USD, the film has a runtime of 108 minutes. It has received generally positive reception from viewers, maintaining a 6.8 rating on IMDb based on 4,400 votes and a 6.6 rating on TMDB from 17 votes.