The Zookeeper’s Wife tells the story of how the zoo’s first director, Jan Żabiński, and his wife Antonina saved hundreds of Jews during World War II On Halloween night, Warsaw Zoo is reviving old Slavic traditions by holding a ‘Dziady Night’ to celebrate the memories of the institution’s first director and his wife, whose wartime bravery inspired Hollywood. Released in 2017, The Zookeeper's Wife was based on a book by Diane Ackerman. Starring Jessica Chastain as Antonina Żabińska and Johan Heldenbergh as Jan Żabiński, the film tells the true story of how the couple helped hundreds of Jews avoid persecution during the German occupation of Poland in World War II. The couple’s rescue efforts earned them recognition as "Righteous Among the Nations" by Israel's Yad Vashem Institute in 1965. ‘Remarkable legacy’ The special evening at the couple’s villa in the Zoo’s grounds will present their life story. “Through the dark and quiet Zoo, we will make our way to the home of our first Director, Dr Jan Żabiński, to discover the story of Jan and Antonina Żabiński and the remarkable legacy they left behind in the history of Warsaw Zoo,” the Zoo wrote in a Facebook post. “During the evening visit, you will have the opportunity to learn more about their life together, the history of their home and the values that have become an important part of the heritage of our Zoo,” the post continued. The evening is free of charge but by reservation only, and all places have been booked in advance, Warsaw Zoo said. Dziady is an ancient Slavic ritual that could be considered Poland’s version of Halloween. Rooted in pagan traditions, the celebration honors the dead and takes place on October 31.
