The Zookeeper's Wife

Stuka bombers destroyed Warsaw during Germany's invasion of Poland, taking the city's zoo with them. Zookeepers Jan and Antonina Zabinski started sneaking Jews into vacant cages when the majority of their animals died. Twelve more "guests" stayed hidden within the Zabinskis' villa, coming out after dark for food, conversation, and piano recitals in the few quiet moments. Active in the Polish resistance, Jan hid bombs in the animal hospital and stored ammo under the elephant enclosure. In the meanwhile, Antonina took care of the animals and people living in her strange home, including lynxes, hyena puppies, badgers, and otters.Diane Ackerman captivates us with her vivid style and remarkable understanding of the natural world, drawing us deeply into the lives of zoo animals, their caretakers, and their unseen guests. She demonstrates to us how Antonina maintained a playful and innocent environment despite the collapse of Europe around her by refusing to succumb to the deep-seated dread of discovery.