"The Zookeeper's Wife" is a historical non-fiction book by Diane Ackerman, which was later adapted into a film. The story is based on the true experiences of Jan and Antonina Żabiński, who managed the Warsaw Zoo in Poland during World War II.
At the beginning of the story, we are introduced to the daily life of the Żabiński family and their work at the zoo. The zoo is a thriving and peaceful place, filled with a variety of animals. However, the tranquility is shattered with the German invasion of Poland in 1939. The Warsaw Zoo suffers heavy bombings, resulting in the death of many animals and the destruction of their habitats.
As the war progresses, the Żabińskis become involved in the Polish underground resistance. They use the zoo as a cover to rescue and hide Jews and Polish dissidents, providing them with shelter and safety during the Nazi occupation.
The beginning of the story sets the stage for the challenging and dangerous circumstances the Żabińskis face as they turn their zoo into a haven for those seeking refuge from the horrors of the Holocaust.