JEANNE’S REVIEW
In war, which is pointless and cruel, we often only consider the dire consequences for humans. But, unfortunately, people are not the only ones affected. Animals of all species also suffer because of the stupidity of mankind. Filmmaker Joshua Zeman learned of the rescue of over 5000 animals during the early days of the Russo-Ukrainian War and set out to tell this incredibly harrowing story in his newest documentary CHECKPOINT ZOO.
When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022 in an act of blatant criminality, much of the initial fighting was on the outskirts of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city. In the middle of this burgeoning chaos was a zoo called Feldman Ecopark, founded by Oleksandr Feldman who wanted not only a sanctuary for animals, but also a cultural center offering a multitude of programs and special events. Feldman believed in the power of animal therapy, especially for children with special needs. And Feldman Ecopark was a testament to the success of such programs, expanding their animal population to over 5000.
Trapped between the Russian Army and the brave Ukrainian soldiers defending their homeland, the zookeepers and animals were being shelled mercilessly. At first, the staff that remained tried to manage caring for the animals, but it soon became apparent that it wasn’t a viable solution. Two zookeepers were killed while feeding the animals, but that didn’t stop the remaining brave zoo staff. And when word got out of the impossible situation, more volunteers showed up to help.
Feldman was so distraught that he posted a plea for help on social media, which resulted in zoos across Ukraine and Europe offering to take in the Ecopark animals. But how do you evacuate thousands of animals, including predators like lions, tigers and bears (Oh my!) during a full-blown war?
In November of 2022 and again in 2023, Zeman and his crew traveled to Ukraine to photograph, film and conduct interviews for CHECKPOINT ZOO. They also utilized footage filmed by the zookeepers, volunteers and the news media, which resulted in over 120 hours of material. Multiple editors worked to put together this remarkable account of this unimaginable, herculean effort to save these animals.
Riveting, edge-of-your-seat drama are not typical words used to describe documentaries, but CHECKPOINT ZOO is not your average documentary. The heroic zookeepers, volunteers and filmmakers who risked their lives to transport all these creatures to safety should be brought to the attention of the world. Their strength, compassion and commitment is unsurpassed --- and proves what humanity is capable of when innocent animals are facing imminent harm.
What these poor zoo animals had to endure through no fault of their own is diabolical. Their frightened faces convey the understandable fear they are experiencing and it’s heart wrenching. But the story does have a satisfying conclusion as those involved race to save the day.
Available in theaters August 15th
Opinion: Strong See It Now!
DAVID’S REVIEW
War has horrific consequences for everyone involved, and
collateral damage is commonplace. But how often does a major conflict endanger over 5000 innocent animals that desperately need to be evacuated? Such is the subject of the extraordinary documentary CHECKPOINT ZOO.
In what is called the “gray area” in the city of Kharkiv between the Ukrainian and Russian borders, an animal haven known as Feldman Ecopark supported these animals beginning 35 years ago. Founded by Oleksandr Feldman, the Ecopark is now destroyed, almost beyond recognition, a victim of Putin’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine beginning February 2022. Wild predators and semi-domesticated animals of all varieties had to be rescued by the remaining park employees and a handful of volunteers.
We learn that Feldman Ecopark once employed 100 people to maintain its incredible support for the inhabitants. The war had reduced that number to only 10, and two zookeepers were subsequently killed. A small group of volunteers stepped up to help wherever they could.
Most of the amazing footage captured in CHECKPOINT ZOO deals with the ultimate evacuation of the animals, plus interviews with key figures. Some of the animals were taken by other zoos, but many were relocated to a different parts of Ukraine. And others were transported to Feldman’s large private home in which virtually every square foot was taken up by rescued beasts.
The rest of the world, including the U.S., contributed with money for food and cages, plus drugs to anesthetize the more dangerous animals, like lions and tigers, to help with the evacuation efforts. Vadym Vorotynskyy, head of media for the Ecopark, was instrumental in securing aid from 10,000 people and organizations.
CHECKPOINT ZOO is not necessarily an easy film to watch at times. But it’s important for us all to witness the compassion these people had for the animals --- so obviously confused about what was happening to them.
This carefully constructed documentary was the brain child of writer/producer/director Joshua Zeman, and his film has earned honors from festivals all over the world. The courage and dedication of the individuals in this movie prove what a labor of love can produce. CHECKPOINT ZOO should not be missed.
Available in theaters August 15th
Opinion: Strong See It Now!
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