In counting the losses caused by war, there’s often little consideration given to the animal world beyond our human counterparts. It’s presumed that nature will effortlessly “adjust,” with its less-evolved inhabitants abandoning their original habitats and finding new ones without assistance when compelled. The documentary “Checkpoint Zoo” focuses on approximately 5,000 animals who didn’t have this choice – the conflict between Russia and Ukraine left them confined in cages or enclosures on a neutral territory, subjected to fear and sometimes death from missile attacks.
Joshua Zeman’s documentary narrates the valiant attempts to rescue these creatures, initially from starvation and subsequently by transporting them to new habitats. It’s filled with tension, personal touch, and exceptional animal footage that keeps viewers hooked. This compelling production has a wide audience appeal, making it likely to receive significant attention — at least in sympathetic countries.
Oleksandr Feldman, a successful entrepreneur, established Feldman Ecopark as an expression of his passion for animals in the vicinity of his hometown Kharkiv. The park offers unique habitats (such as the Alpaca Farm, Monkey House, and Predators’ Zone) along with various programs tailored to special needs children, educational initiatives for young people, animal-based mental health therapy, and other activities.
On February 24, 2022, the serenity I had grown accustomed to as a film enthusiast living near the Ecopark came to an abrupt end. That day marked the start of what’s been referred to as the largest European invasion since the Cold War by Russia. In peaceful times, the Ecopark offered easy access from the city, but it turned out to be perilously close in times of conflict. It was actually closer to the Russian border than Kharkiv, making it an unfortunate target for the initial surprise attack with heavy artillery. The impact was immediate and severe, necessitating a hasty evacuation of the emergency staff. Ukrainian forces eventually managed to push back the invading troops, but the Ecopark found itself in a precarious “gray zone.” This area is susceptible to stray shells from either side, whether by accident or design.
Upon my daring return after a prolonged absence, I discovered the park’s residents in a state of distress, having gone without food for an entire week, exacerbated by relentless attacks. The harsh winter had taken its toll, with power, water, and heating services abruptly cut off. The city and nearby towns were left in ruins after a merciless air attack, causing mass evacuation. Only a mere 10% of the park’s staff remained, braving the chaotic situation. A week into this ordeal, two of these brave souls encountered Russian soldiers and tragically lost their lives in cold blood.
In a critical predicament, Tymofii Kharchenko – a budding veterinarian pursuing his Ph.D. – felt compelled to act. He enlisted the help of several close colleagues whom he affectionately referred to as “The Boys,” turning them into volunteers. Their involvement significantly eased the burden on an overworked team in crisis. The enthusiasm these youngsters exuded was contagious, and while their impetuousness might have been essential for such hazardous work, it unfortunately cost one experienced worker his life when a lion he’d fed for years became agitated.
1. The creatures are jittery, fatigued, volatile, and disoriented due to this alarming interruption in their daily routines. When the Monkey House’s roof is devastated by shelling, some of its inhabitants sadly succumb to heart attacks. Mild-mannered animals in the petting zoo section find their habitats targeted and damaged by Russian soldiers for amusement. Other species inhabit precarious locations near enemy lines, on the brink of starvation before help can reach them.
2. The animals are jangled, weary, touchy, and baffled by this sudden upheaval in their regular schedules. When the Monkey House’s roof gets obliterated during shelling, some of its denizens pass away from heart attacks. Gentle creatures in the petting zoo area have their habitats vandalized by Russian soldiers for entertainment purposes. Other species reside in perilously close proximity to enemy lines, barely surviving before assistance can be provided.
3. The animals are jittery, drained, edgy, and bewildered due to this abrupt alteration in their usual routines. When the Monkey House’s roof is destroyed by shelling, some of its inhabitants tragically succumb to heart attacks. Tame animals in the petting zoo area have their enclosures damaged by Russian soldiers for fun. Other species dwell in dangerous locations near enemy lines, on the brink of starvation before they can be rescued.
4. The creatures are jangled, weary, edgy, and bewildered due to this abrupt change in their regular patterns. When the Monkey House’s roof is demolished by shelling, some of its inhabitants tragically die from heart attacks. Tame animals in the petting zoo area have their enclosures shot up by Russian soldiers for amusement. Other species reside in precarious locations near enemy lines, barely alive before help can arrive.
5. The animals are jittery, exhausted, irritable, and puzzled due to this sudden shift in their usual activities. When the Monkey House’s roof is blown apart by shelling, some of its inhabitants sadly succumb to heart attacks. Tame creatures in the petting zoo section have their habitats destroyed by Russian soldiers for entertainment purposes. Other species dwell in dangerous areas close to enemy lines, on the brink of starvation before they can be assisted.
6. The animals are jangled, weary, touchy, and confused due to this abrupt alteration in their daily routines. When the Monkey House’s roof gets destroyed by shelling, some of its inhabitants sadly die from heart attacks. Gentle creatures in the petting zoo area have their enclosures vandalized by Russian soldiers for fun. Other species reside in perilous locations near enemy lines, barely surviving before they can be rescued.
7. The animals are jangled, weary, edgy, and puzzled due to this sudden disruption of their usual activities. When the Monkey House’s roof is blown apart by shelling, some of its inhabitants sadly die from heart attacks. Tame creatures in the petting zoo section have their enclosures damaged by Russian soldiers for amusement. Other species dwell in dangerous areas close to enemy lines, on the brink of starvation before they can be assisted.
8. The animals are jangled, exhausted, irritable, and bewildered due to this abrupt change in their regular patterns. When the Monkey House’s roof is destroyed by shelling, some of its inhabitants tragically succumb to heart attacks. Tame creatures in the petting zoo area have their enclosures vandalized by Russian soldiers for entertainment purposes. Other species reside in perilous locations near enemy lines, barely surviving before they can be rescued.
9. The animals are jangled, weary, edgy, and confused due to this sudden interruption of their daily routines. When the Monkey House’s roof gets blown apart by shelling, some of its inhabitants sadly die from heart attacks. Gentle creatures in the petting zoo area have their enclosures damaged by Russian soldiers for fun. Other species dwell in dangerous areas close to enemy lines, on the brink of starvation before they can be assisted.
10. The animals are jangled, exhausted, irritable, and bewildered due to this abrupt alteration in their usual activities. When the Monkey House’s roof is demolished by shelling, some of its inhabitants tragically succumb to heart attacks. Tame creatures in the petting zoo section have their enclosures vandalized by Russian soldiers for amusement. Other species reside in precarious locations near enemy lines, barely surviving before they can be rescued.
A bombing raid targets a large cat sanctuary, remarkably no animals manage to flee into the nearby wilderness. It has become evident that a full evacuation plan is required, but resources such as funds, personnel, and equipment are currently unavailable. Oleksandr and the institution’s media director, Vadym Vorotynskyy, appeal for global aid, with support from footage shared by The Boys featuring vulnerable tapirs, zebras, camels, bears, marabous, among others. Ultimately, over 10,000 individuals and organizations contribute to the safe relocation of approximately 4,700 animals to temporary refuge sites in safer locations.
Initially, my perspective on “Checkpoint Zoo” reveals that some footage appears to have been captured post-event, not just interviews but also dramatic drone shots and captivating animal close-ups. Any doubts about the balance between professional production and journalism are swiftly dismissed as the documentary unfolds with heart-pounding sequences where mobile phones capture real-time aerial attacks. It seems the Russians always respond aggressively whenever staff or volunteers enter the park, launching artillery a short while later.
The courageous way humans respond to attacks despite their humorless demeanor is commendable, but a grim reminder that this situation isn’t a game arises when a worker’s teenage son gets killed. Following this, as Russian prisoners of war are captured, we momentarily observe the genuine hostility between the oppressed people and those causing their suffering.
In this series, charming personalities and heartwarming scenes provide relief from tense situations. Among them is Andrii, a humble giant who discovered his passion for working with animals following years of homelessness and substance abuse. The show features amusing scenarios where the owner’s grand manor, filled with treasured items, transforms into an ark for evacuated creatures, including a bewildered caracal (a strikingly cute wild cat) discovered in the bathroom during the night.
There’s joy in witnessing kangaroos being pulled unwillingly to safety by their tails, stubborn goats carried on human backs, surprisingly affectionate tapirs, leopards rendered unconscious, and an ostrich cornered into a rescue vehicle, among other scenes. However, the adorable aspect is somewhat tempered when one keeper mentions it’s challenging to train an animal not to detonate a landmine.
With Leonardo DiCaprio lending his star power as an executive producer, “Checkpoint Zoo” sensibly steers clear of political debate or delving into broader topics, instead maintaining a tight focus on its storyline. Although fleeting scenes of foreign news broadcasts are visible, it primarily relies on the gripping style of documentary filmmaking that director Zeman is known for, having previously worked extensively in the true-crime genre. This project showcases his expertise in creating suspenseful narratives with an immediate, real-life feel.
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2025-01-08 19:51