Set against the backdrop of World War II, 'Sanctuary' tells the harrowing true story of Antonina and Jan Żabiński, the keepers of the Warsaw Zoo, who risk their lives to save Jewish refugees from the Nazi regime. As the German forces invade Poland in 1939, the once vibrant zoo falls silent, its inhabitants threatened by the encroaching violence. Antonina, a gentle yet resilient woman, and her pragmatic husband Jan find themselves at a crossroads when they witness the horrors of war unfold around them.

In the early days of the invasion, the couple is forced to confront the reality of their situation as they hear the distant rumble of tanks and gunfire. They quickly realize that their sanctuary is no longer just a place for animals; it must become a refuge for those fleeing persecution. As they begin to hide Jewish families in the zoo's abandoned enclosures, they transform their home into a secret network of escape routes, risking everything to protect the innocent.

The couple's first act of defiance comes when they shelter two young Jewish children in their basement, providing them with food and comfort while the world outside descends into chaos. As the Nazi officers, led by the charming yet menacing Lieutenant Keller, begin to take an interest in the zoo, Jan and Antonina must navigate the treacherous waters of deception and survival. They face moral dilemmas as they are forced to choose between their safety and the lives of those they are hiding.

As the war intensifies, the Żabińskis expand their efforts, hiding more families and creating a network of safe passages. They face constant danger from the German soldiers who patrol the area, and the tension escalates when Jan is forced to confront the brutal realities of the regime while trying to maintain the facade of a zookeeper. The couple's relationship is tested as they grapple with the weight of their choices and the fear of discovery.

The film reaches a climax when the zoo is raided by the Gestapo, leading to a heart-stopping sequence where Antonina must use her wits and courage to protect the children hidden within the zoo. The emotional toll of their actions weighs heavily on both Jan and Antonina, as they witness the consequences of war and the fragility of life.

In the aftermath of the raid, the couple must come to terms with their losses and the sacrifices they have made. As the war comes to an end, they emerge from the shadows, forever changed by their experiences. The film concludes with a poignant reflection on the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of compassion in the face of unimaginable adversity. 'Sanctuary' is a powerful testament to the courage of those who risked everything to save lives during one of history's darkest chapters.

• In the early morning hours following the Nazi invasion, Antonina and Jan Żabiński awaken to the unsettling sounds of distress at the Warsaw Zoo. As distant gunfire echoes, Jan rushes to calm a terrified horse, showcasing his protective nature. The couple shares a moment of fear and concern for their safety and the animals, highlighting their bond amidst the chaos. The foggy atmosphere and haunting visuals of the zoo create a tense and foreboding tone, as they confront the imminent threat of war.
• In the basement of the zoo administration house, Antonina discovers two Jewish children hiding and provides them with food and a blanket, urging them to stay quiet as danger looms. Outside, German soldiers, led by Lieutenant Keller, invade the zoo. Jan, tending to a dying lioness, confronts Keller, who pressures him to collaborate with the Nazis. Jan firmly refuses, asserting his commitment to neutrality, while the tension escalates with the sound of gunfire as soldiers shoot a zebra nearby.
• In the early morning hours following the Nazi invasion, Antonina and Jan Żabiński find themselves in a tense moment at the Warsaw Zoo. As distant sounds of war echo outside, they grapple with the danger of moving their hidden charges to safety. Antonina's concern clashes with Jan's caution, highlighting their shared anxiety and the weight of their decisions in a time of crisis. The misty atmosphere and flickering candlelight create a haunting backdrop for their emotional struggle, culminating in a shared glance of fear that underscores their bond amidst the chaos.
• As dawn breaks, Jan enters the zoo stables to calm the anxious horses, aware of the approaching German soldiers. He extinguishes his lantern to avoid detection. Meanwhile, Antonina comforts two frightened children hiding in the basement, providing them with food and instructing them to remain silent. The tension escalates as the soldiers, led by the authoritative Lieutenant Keller, draw near, creating a palpable sense of urgency and fear for both Jan and Antonina as they strive to protect the animals and the hidden children.
• In a tense zoo setting, soldiers fire a shot that kills a young zebra, prompting Jan to confront Keller about his ulterior motives for assessing the animals for repurposing. Keller coldly pressures Jan to cooperate to protect his family, while the unsettling sounds of a rhinoceros hint at the larger conflict outside. Inside the administration house, Antonina comforts a terrified Jewish woman named Sabina, teaching her how to blend in and survive in the dangerous environment. The scene captures the emotional turmoil of the characters against a backdrop of war and despair, emphasizing themes of survival and the moral dilemmas faced in dire circumstances.
• In a desolate zoo turned graveyard, Keller and Major Grün discuss the potential use of animal enclosures for detaining enemies of the Reich. Meanwhile, Jan, in the lion enclosure, covers a deceased lioness while grappling with the moral implications of hiding people instead of honoring the dead. Antonina defends their choice to protect those in need, leading to a tense standoff between her and Jan, who feels conflicted about their actions. The scene captures the somber atmosphere and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters, culminating in a poignant moment of eye contact that underscores their differing beliefs.
• In a tense nighttime scene, a frightened fifteen-year-old boy sneaks through a zoo's perimeter fence, clutching a note that requests help for six individuals, including a pregnant woman. Antonina quickly hides him from approaching guards and later reads the note with Jan in the dimly lit basement. Despite Jan's concerns about the implications of expanding their efforts, Antonina is determined to assist those in need, highlighting the urgency and moral dilemma they face. The scene captures the stark contrast between danger and the brief refuge they provide.
• In a moving tram through war-torn Warsaw, Antonina holds a basket of food, her calm demeanor contrasting with her trembling fingers. As the tram nears a German checkpoint, tension rises when a young boy, bound and bloodied, faces execution for carrying forged papers. In a brave moment, he tells the crowd to inform his sister that he tried. The scene culminates in a gunshot, leaving Antonina and the other passengers in shock as they witness the brutal reality of war, the tram moving away from the horror.
• In a war-torn Warsaw, Antonina reflects on a traumatic execution while on a tram, deeply shaken by the horrors surrounding her. She meets Jan in a zoo stable, where they discuss the urgent need to move hidden children to safety. In the basement, Antonina comforts the frightened children, suggesting they sleep with the monkeys to reclaim a sense of innocence. The scene captures the tension and despair of their situation, ending with Antonina on the tram, haunted by her experiences.
• On a Warsaw street during World War II, a tram is halted by Wehrmacht soldiers at a checkpoint. Passengers, including Antonina, witness the brutal execution of a teenage boy caught smuggling messages from the ghetto. Despite his desperate plea to convey a message to his sister, he is shot by a cold German officer, leaving the tram's occupants in shock and sorrow. Antonina is particularly affected, frozen in horror as the tram driver urges them to move on, highlighting the tragic realities of Nazi oppression.
• In a tense scene set in the zoo kitchen and later the monkey house, Antonina and Jan grapple with the dangers outside as men search for supplies, resulting in a boy being shot. Antonina learns the boy had a message for his sister, prompting her to move the children from the cellar to the monkey house for safety, despite Jan's concerns about the risks. As dusk falls, Antonina prepares a hidden space beneath a cage, demonstrating her determination to protect the children amidst the grim realities they face.
• In a tense nighttime scene at the zoo, a frightened and injured boy escapes danger and hides from soldiers at the perimeter fence. Antonina finds him, pulling him into the brush and instructing him to stay low. Later, in the zoo's basement, Jan discovers a note requesting sanctuary for six more individuals, prompting a discussion with Antonina about their new role in aiding those in need. Antonina then comforts two Jewish children in the monkey house, reassuring them of their safety while wiping away one child's tear, highlighting her protective nature amidst the somber reality of their situation.
• In the foggy streets of Warsaw, Jan witnesses the traumatic sight of Jewish families being forced onto a cattle car by German guards, leaving him deeply shaken, especially when a mother screams over her dead infant. Struggling with his feelings of helplessness, he confides in Antonina, who encourages him to take action by transforming their zoo into a refuge for those in danger. The scene intensifies when Rebecca Landau, a desperate schoolteacher from the ghetto, collapses into Antonina's arms, seeking safety, as Antonina reassures her that she no longer has to run.
• In a tense evening kitchen scene, Antonina prepares water while a frightened Rebecca clutches her child nearby. Their uneasy atmosphere is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Lieutenant Keller, who enters uninvited and inspects the room. He questions Antonina about Rebecca and her child, whom she claims are distant relatives from Kraków. Keller's cryptic remark about danger not always wearing a uniform heightens the tension, leaving the household in an unsettling state as he smiles at Antonina, suggesting a looming threat.
• In a war-torn zoo kitchen, Keller reflects on the dehumanizing effects of conflict while warning Antonina about increased scrutiny and the need for documentation. Antonina counters his cynicism by emphasizing their roles as caretakers, but is visibly shaken by his presence. After Keller leaves, Jan expresses relief, Rebecca clutches her child in fear, and Antonina hides her trembling hands, highlighting the oppressive atmosphere and unresolved tension among the characters.
• In a dimly lit maintenance tunnel beneath the zoo, Jan guides Rebecca and her child on a tense escape to safety. He instructs them to wait for three knocks and to remain silent until they hear his wife Antonina's lullaby. As they emerge from the shadows, Antonina, waiting at the drainage culvert, reassures them with her soothing song and pulls them into the brush, ensuring their safety.
• In a tense and intimate bedroom scene, Antonina and Jan confront their fears and traumas after a stressful event. Antonina, shedding her boots and scarf, embodies vulnerability while Jan expresses concern about the safety of a waste tunnel and the looming threat of discovery by Keller. Despite Jan's doubts about their survival, Antonina's fierce determination to adapt shines through. As Jan shares a haunting memory of a child's death, Antonina encourages him to channel that pain into motivation. The scene culminates in a moment of connection as Antonina rests her hand over Jan's, highlighting their shared struggle amidst the weight of their circumstances.
• In a tense Gestapo office, Officer Keller expresses suspicion about the Żabińskis to Fraulein Mertz, who reveals their maid lacks proper documentation. Meanwhile, in the zoo basement, Rebecca tends to a wound while Antonina comforts her, highlighting their bond amid fear for Rebecca's daughter. The scene shifts to the next day in a utility shed, where Jan prepares an escape route, cautioning Jerzy about the risks of wanting to help refugees. The atmosphere is somber, reflecting the perilous reality of their situation.
• In a tense afternoon at the zoo, Keller discusses security measures with Fraulein Mertz, emphasizing the importance of secrecy among people. Later, in the administration house, Antonina confronts Jerzy about his curiosity over a leather notebook, warning him about the dangers of secrets. Jerzy, feeling guilty and anxious, is left unsettled as Antonina instructs him to focus on guiding others that night. The scene captures the growing tension and unease surrounding the theme of secrecy.
• In a tense late-night scene, Jan leads four refugees, including a child, into a dark tunnel, stressing the importance of silence. Jerzy, anxious and guilt-ridden, guides them to safety while Antonina waits at a drainage outlet, humming a lullaby. Their conversation reveals the weight of their choices as they confront the dangers of their situation, acknowledging that they are no longer just zookeepers but active participants in a war-like environment. The scene captures the urgency and somber reality of their actions amidst the rain-soaked backdrop.
• In a tense nighttime encounter at the zoo, Jerzy sits nervously beside the empty lion pen, smoking a cigarette. Keller approaches, questioning Jerzy's presence and testing his loyalty by handing him a folded ration slip for confidential delivery. The interaction reveals a power struggle, with Jerzy's anxiety contrasting Keller's authoritative demeanor. As the scene concludes, Jerzy unfolds the slip marked with Keller's initials, foreshadowing a secretive and potentially perilous task ahead.
• In the dimly lit living room of the Administration House, Jan and Antonina sit in contemplative silence, strategizing their dangerous mission of hiding people. They liken their roles to architects, emphasizing the need for careful planning amidst the looming threat of discovery. Antonina, haunted yet hopeful, plays a lullaby on the piano, while Jan shares news of a man in the ghetto who knows escape routes. Despite the risks, they decide to connect with this network, sharing a moment of silent understanding that solidifies their bond and commitment to their cause.
• In a tense dawn at the monkey house, Antonina reflects on the moral complexities of survival during wartime as she checks the safety of the tunnel hatch. A distant gunshot heightens her awareness of the dangers surrounding her. Meanwhile, Jan discreetly engages with a young refugee posing as a groundskeeper, hinting at their involvement in a covert operation. Antonina observes the scene with vigilance as a patrol passes by. The atmosphere shifts with the arrival of Hauptsturmführer Viktor Lang and Sturmscharführer Heilmann in a polished black Mercedes, their casual disregard for the animals underscoring their menacing authority. The scene encapsulates the unresolved moral dilemmas faced by Antonina and Jan amidst the oppressive regime, ending on a somber note as it transitions to Act II.
• Antonina is alarmed by a troubling sight outside and discusses the situation with Jan as they meet officers Lang and Heilmann, who are inspecting the zoo. Lang's condescending remarks about the zoo's role under the Reich and his unsettling reflections on survival create a tense atmosphere. Heilmann questions the missing lions, highlighting the zoo's recent losses. Despite Antonina's attempts to maintain composure, the oppressive presence of the officers and the grim realities of the zoo leave her visibly unsettled.
• In a dimly lit basement stairwell, Rebecca hides with her child, listening to footsteps and laughter above, exhaling in relief when they fade. The scene shifts to a lion enclosure where Lang discusses the zoo's dark repurposing with Jan, who defends its original intent. Antonina asserts the monkey house's integrity, but Lang ominously hints at needing lists for 'cultural preservation' before leaving with SS officers, leaving Antonina and Jan in tense silence, underscoring the looming threat of oppression.
• In a tense atmosphere, Jan informs Antonina about the looming threat to the zoo, prompting her to strategize for conflict. As they prepare for survival, Antonina seals jars of soup while Jan updates her on dangerous changes to checkpoints. Jerzy, aware of the situation but hesitant to act, contemplates a ration slip. The scene highlights their differing emotional states—Jan's anxiety and Antonina's calm determination—culminating in her handing Jan double rations, hinting at potential betrayal from within.
• Jan, carrying a sack, is approached by a boy on a bicycle who directs him to an abandoned shrine where he meets Kasia. She warns him about the heightened threat of authorities hunting children and provides him with forged documents for their next mission. Meanwhile, Antonina and Rebecca hear screams and gunshots, reflecting the escalating violence outside. Jerzy, anxious and restless in a stable loft, clutches a ration slip, embodying the tension and fear permeating the scene.
• In a tense scene, Jan reveals a map of the zoo with escape routes, planning for a Reich-sponsored cultural event. Antonina decides to put on a show, while later playing a lullaby on the piano, observed by Jan. Jerzy, conflicted about his role in the event, seeks advice from Keller, who emphasizes survival over morality. The scene transitions from the kitchen to the courtyard, highlighting the emotional struggle and moral ambiguity faced by the characters, culminating in Jerzy's decision to confront the situation.
• In a tense night scene, Rebecca huddles with children in the dark zoo basement as Antonina seals them in, aware of the danger above. Jerzy, in the stables, contemplates their precarious situation while holding a ration slip. The following morning, Antonina discovers a damp invitation from Jan to a 'cultural gathering' in a graveyard, which they suspect is a test from Keller. Determined to protect the children, Antonina plans for the gathering while strategizing their next move against the looming threat.
• In a tense Warsaw scene, Jan witnesses chaos as German officers chase a child, while in a zoo basement, Antonina and Rebecca hide two frightened children, instructing them to stay quiet. Despite the looming danger, Antonina prepares for a party, determined to perform music, while Jan expresses concern for her safety. The scene culminates with the arrival of SS officers, including Lang and Keller, at the zoo, heightening the sense of impending danger.
• In a dimly lit living room, Lang reflects on civilization's impact on nature while officers indulge in stolen food. He prompts Antonina to play music, leading her to perform a haunting lullaby on the piano. As the music fills the room, Jan watches her with tension, and Keller stares intently, creating an unsettling atmosphere. Below, a child named Rebecca listens from a crawlspace, finding solace in the lullaby that masks the danger above. The scene captures the stark contrast between the officers' casual demeanor and the hidden child's fear, leaving an unresolved tension as the lullaby continues.
• Jerzy walks alone outside the zoo, contemplating a ration slip he almost burns. Inside, Keller reflects on a recent party while touching a piano key, and Antonina plays a haunting lullaby for the officers, who listen intently. She intentionally plays a wrong note, which Keller notices, but she maintains her composure until the end, receiving applause. Lang praises her ability to evoke emotion, highlighting the tension between the beauty of her music and the underlying danger of their situation.
• In a war-torn setting, Antonina reflects on the weight of survival while scrubbing plates in the kitchen. Keller enters, reminiscing about a Polish folk song that connects them through shared memories. Meanwhile, Jerzy lies awake in the stable loft, consumed by anxiety. The next morning, Jan grapples with his conscience when Kasia brings a Jewish boy in need of refuge. Despite initial hesitation, he decides to help, leading to a poignant moment in the basement where the boy, wrapped in blankets, remains unresponsive. As Rebecca cares for him, Antonina contemplates the loss of identity amidst their struggle for survival.
• In a tense nighttime scene, Jan and Antonina confront the looming threat of an unannounced search by an unknown authority. As Jan lays out a new escape route sketch, Antonina reads about a shipment of supplies, prompting her to suggest relocating their group to the old lion enclosure for safety. Jan's reluctance stems from their inexperience in such perilous situations, while Antonina's determination to protect their charges highlights the urgency of their predicament. Their conversation reveals deep-seated fears and differing perspectives on survival, culminating in an unresolved tension that hangs heavily between them.
• In a tense encounter at the zoo, Jerzy is confronted by Keller, who demands information about a boy that has recently left. Jerzy hesitates but ultimately reveals the news, frustrating Keller with his delay. Meanwhile, in a hidden part of the lion enclosure, Antonina comforts a child lying beside a woman, encouraging him to listen to a stuffed lion she places beside him. The scene shifts to the next morning as Keller arrives for a livestock audit, exchanging calm words with Antonina, highlighting the ongoing tension and urgency surrounding their situation.
• In a tense wartime scene at the zoo, soldiers search for hidden individuals while a child's trembling hand is concealed beneath the floorboards. Keller and Jan discuss broken supply lines and smuggling in the Administration House kitchen, while Antonina comforts a silent boy in the lion enclosure, emphasizing her compassion over cruelty. Jerzy lies to a soldier about visitors to protect the Żabińskis. The scene highlights the themes of fear, survival, and the stark contrast between danger and kindness, culminating in Antonina's reassurance to the boy that she helps because she is not a lion.
• In a tense late-night conversation at the Administration House, Jan and Antonina clash over the risks of sheltering another child, with Jan expressing doubt and Antonina resolutely deciding to continue their efforts alone. The scene shifts to Antonina walking through the zoo, where she is watched by a mysterious figure, hinting at danger. The following day, she meets a young couple, Friedrich and Elsa, who claim to be relatives of the late keeper Gorski and seek refuge. Despite her initial reservations about their cleanliness and demeanor, Antonina ultimately invites them in, setting the stage for potential conflict.
• In a tense parlor, Antonina serves tea to the uneasy guests Friedrich and Elsa, who engage in light conversation that masks their hidden truths. As they discuss the quietness of the home and the cellar, a boy and Rebecca hide in the basement, listening anxiously. The atmosphere thickens with suspicion as Friedrich questions Antonina's awareness of their deception. After a brief moment of levity, the guests leave, passing a Gestapo officer outside, hinting at the looming danger that surrounds them.
• In a tense late-night scene, Jerzy grapples with anxiety in the stable loft, fearing that his secrets are known. Meanwhile, a boy shares his concerns with Antonina about a woman eavesdropping at tea, prompting her to instruct him to be cautious. The scene shifts to the administration house kitchen where Jan notices Antonina's distress after she reveals that two guests posing as relatives are not who they claim to be. This revelation heightens Jan's tension as he realizes their time is running out, leaving the characters in a state of unresolved fear and urgency.
• In a dimly lit basement, Rebecca, with a boy clinging to her, prepares to escape with the help of Antonina, who provides forged papers and guidance. As they discuss the urgency of their situation, Antonina reassures Rebecca about her own fate, expressing her commitment to continue playing the piano. Outside, Jerzy grapples with his conflicted feelings as he encounters Keller, who urges him to act. Back at the canal, Antonina helps Rebecca and the boy into a tunnel, giving the boy his stuffed lion for comfort before shutting the grate, leaving them in darkness and uncertainty.
• In a tense night scene, Jerzy grapples with anxiety in a stable loft, holding a ration slip as Keller and Mertz discuss a secretive operation. Antonina and Jan share their fears about survival, while Rebecca and a boy narrowly escape danger. As dawn breaks, Jerzy collapses in the hay after a vague acknowledgment from Keller, who prepares his men for an impending mission. The atmosphere is somber, filled with uncertainty and the urgency of survival amidst looming threats.
• In a tense scene set in the early morning chaos of the burning Warsaw Ghetto, Antonina plays a defiant lullaby on the piano while the distant sounds of destruction echo around her. As she witnesses the smoke and fire, she rushes to warn a group hiding in her basement about the approaching SS soldiers. With urgency, she instructs them to remain silent and low, opening a trap door for their safety. Before closing it, she hesitates to place a boy's stuffed lion outside, symbolizing the innocence lost in the turmoil. Meanwhile, Jerzy, in despair, grapples with the overwhelming situation, highlighting the emotional weight of their plight.
• Jan and Antonina meet at the base of the stairs, armed and tense about the arrival of soldiers. In the zoo stable, Jerzy faces the SS Commander and his men, maintaining composure as they investigate. A soldier's discovery of a suspicious hay bale is interrupted by a lion's roar, which Jerzy explains is an old recording. The soldiers laugh it off, allowing Jerzy to relax once they leave, crumpling against the wall in relief.
• In a war-torn Warsaw basement, Antonina comforts a frightened boy, likening his courage to that of a lion as chaos erupts outside. The scene shifts to the administration house kitchen where Keller confronts Antonina, dismissing her concerns about the suffering around them. Jan defends Antonina against Keller's menacing presence, but Keller ominously hints at impending destruction before leaving, leaving a tense atmosphere of fear and foreboding.
• In a dark basement, a boy comforts a sobbing girl by giving her a stuffed lion, assuring her it keeps secrets. The scene shifts to the zoo gates at night, where Keller expresses his frustration over the SS's actions in Warsaw. Meanwhile, in the administration house's parlor, Antonina sits at the piano, frozen with fear as Jan, armed with a rifle, signals her to be ready for an unknown visitor at the door. The scene ends on a tense note, leaving the characters in a precarious situation.
• In a somber parlor of a zoo house, Keller, dressed in civilian clothes, seeks to connect with the guarded Jan and Antonina. He shares a nostalgic memory of his mother singing lullabies, prompting a moment of connection with Antonina, who offers a pragmatic view on the subject. However, the mood shifts as Keller reveals his impending transfer, leaving him to reflect on the ghosts of the past before departing, unresolved in his desire for connection.
• In a tense basement, a boy, teenage girl, and mother hide from the chaos of gunfire outside. The boy awakens to danger, while Jerzy, armed in a stable loft, reflects on survival and burns a ration slip. The next morning, Antonina wakes to a smoky sky, contrasting memories of peaceful zoo days with the current turmoil. In the basement, the boy draws a lion and a mouse, symbolizing friendship. As Antonina kneels beside him, they share a moment of hope amidst the violence, highlighting resilience in the face of despair.
• In a tense pre-dawn scene, Jerzy prepares a wooden cart in a zoo stable, concealing a folded coat, a stuffed lion, and a slip of paper. As Antonina plays a lullaby in the parlor, signaling urgency, Jerzy pushes the cart along a foggy path, revealing two hidden children and a frightened teenage girl. He guides them to a narrow tunnel behind a stone wall, instructing them to wait until sunrise. When confronted by two Gestapo officers, Jerzy feigns ignorance to protect the children, successfully deceiving them before returning to the stables, maintaining a facade of normalcy amidst the danger.
• In a tense atmosphere, Antonina cleans the kitchen while Jan warns her of the Gestapo's presence, heightening their sense of danger. In the basement, a boy anxiously awaits Jan's return, while Jerzy grapples with the aftermath of the Gestapo's visit. The scene shifts to Jan's secretive meeting in the zoo's back lot, where he trades bread for ration stamps, reflecting their desperate struggle for survival. The scene concludes with Jan's anxious mutterings about needing just one more night, underscoring the ongoing threat they face.
• In a poignant scene, Antonina plays a lullaby on the piano, momentarily bringing joy as a boy replicates a note on a toy xylophone. However, the atmosphere darkens as a younger Gestapo officer reviews the Żabińskis' file, indicating they are under surveillance. Two days later, Jerzy is approached by a Gestapo officer and taken away, leading to a harrowing interrogation where he is left bloodied and barely conscious in a holding cell, observed by an SS lieutenant who notes the abundance of animals without cages, hinting at a sinister intent.
• In a Gestapo office, an SS lieutenant reviews 'OPERATION: ZOOFALL' and orders his aide to execute a violent mission at midnight. The scene shifts to the Warsaw Zoo, where a platoon of SS soldiers storms in, rifles drawn, causing chaos among the animals. Antonina, awakened by the commotion, witnesses a soldier shoot at the flamingo pond, resulting in a horrifying display of feathers and blood. The scene captures the dark tension of the soldiers' brutal intrusion, leaving Antonina in a state of fear and helplessness.
• In a tense and chaotic night, a boy flinches at a gunshot while a teenage girl comforts him in a basement. Outside, Jan helps a family escape to safety, while in the parlor, Antonina faces a cruel SS officer who threatens her with a bullet, symbolizing the danger surrounding her. The scene ends with Antonina frozen in fear, highlighting the pervasive sense of helplessness and dread.
• In a haunting sequence of events, Antonina discovers an open lion's cage stained with blood and a bullet casing, leaving her in shock. Later, a boy expresses his trauma through a drawing of a wounded lion, while a teenage girl empathizes with him. Days later, Antonina is confronted with the grim sight of three bodies hanging from a lamppost, one resembling the boy, which deepens her horror. The scene culminates with Antonina playing a lullaby, only to stop abruptly, enveloping the space in a heavy silence that reflects the pervasive grief and trauma of war.
• In a Gestapo courtyard at dawn, Jerzy faces execution, finding a moment of connection with a caged bird before his fate is sealed by a gunshot. Meanwhile, a boy in a basement senses danger and watches the aftermath of the tragedy. Later, Antonina learns of Jerzy's death from Jan but remains resolute, retrieving a hidden note that signifies their commitment to continue their mission despite the loss.
• In a tense night at the Warsaw Zoo, Antonina guides a young mother and her child into the lion enclosure, revealing a hidden trapdoor that leads to safety. Inside, the boy brings joy to the little girl with a ragged toy lion. Later, as Antonina and Jan sit in silence, a knock at the door disrupts their moment, leading Jan to answer with a rifle. They find a crate containing a live rabbit and a note from Keller, which Antonina interprets as a farewell. The scene captures the somber realities of wartime danger, intertwined with fleeting moments of tenderness.
• In war-torn Warsaw, Rebecca, weary and aged, approaches the zoo gates, passing empty cages and scorched earth. She descends into the basement to find the boy, now older, and they share an emotional reunion. Later, in the parlor, Rebecca discovers a toy xylophone, hearing the boy's voice claiming it as his. Meanwhile, Antonina observes the arrival of new animals in the zoo courtyard, symbolizing rebirth, as a child plays a lullaby on the xylophone in the distance, blending themes of loss, hope, and renewal.
• In a war-torn Warsaw, a boy draws a hopeful scene on a basement wall while a teenage girl encourages him to finish. Outside, Antonina navigates the dangerous streets on her bicycle, momentarily frozen by the approach of an SS truck, but it passes without incident. Jan helps a family find safety in a lion enclosure, reassuring a child about the future. Later, Antonina plays a lullaby in the parlor, startled by a lion's roar that turns out to be thunder, leading her to smile faintly, embodying the tension and hope of survival amidst chaos.
• In a poignant scene set against the backdrop of war-torn Warsaw, Antonina witnesses the devastation of the burning Ghetto while a red fox symbolizes survival. In a basement, a boy and girl anxiously await the uncertain future. The narrative shifts to spring 1945, where the arrival of Allied tanks heralds change. An older Rebecca returns to the zoo, finding solace in the absence of danger for the lion. An emotional reunion occurs when the boy offers Rebecca a toy lion, embodying hope and continuity. The scene concludes with Antonina playing a lullaby, signaling the return of life as animal crates arrive, blending themes of loss, memory, and resilience.
• The scene transitions from a recently reopened zoo in 1945, where a boy's drawing and a new depiction of a lion with wings symbolize hope, to a memorial garden in Jerusalem in 1965. Here, Antonina and Jan Żabiński, honored as 'Righteous Among the Nations,' sit together during a ceremony. A rabbi praises their legacy of sheltering those in need, evoking applause from the modest crowd, reflecting on their transformation from zoo keepers to protectors during a dark time.
• In a poignant scene, Antonina plants a sapling in a tree grove at Yad Vashem, symbolizing hope and renewal as survivors and their descendants reflect on their past. Jan, emotionally moved, watches as a montage reveals the thriving lives of those saved, including Rebecca, a nurse, and a boy visiting the zoo with his son. The setting transitions to the present day at the Warsaw Zoo, where a mural honors Antonina and Jan's bravery. The scene culminates at sunset with the now-tall tree, where a child places a drawing at its base, embodying continuity and remembrance.

Act 1

• Seq 1:

  As Warsaw falls under Nazi invasion, Jan calms panicked animals while Antonina discovers and shelters two Jewish children in the basement. They evade German soldiers, with Jan defiantly refusing collaboration with Lieutenant Keller. The sequence culminates with Antonina instructing the children on survival tactics amid explosions and patrols, establishing the zoo as a sanctuary.

• Seq 2:

  Keller reveals plans to repurpose the zoo for Nazi operations, escalating threats during Jan's lioness burial. Antonina recruits Sabina, teaching her to blend in. Keller and Grün discuss converting enclosures for prisoners. The sequence climaxes when an injured boy delivers a request to shelter six more refugees, forcing Jan and Antonina to accept their role as a full resistance network.

• Seq 3:

  Antonina witnesses a boy's execution at a checkpoint, deepening her trauma. She insists to Jan that the basement is unsafe and relocates the children to the monkey house. After confirming the executed boy carried sugar and papers for his sister, Antonina prepares the new hideout, using the promise of 'sleeping with monkeys' to comfort the children amid despair.

• Seq 4:

  Antonina rescues an injured boy at the zoo fence who delivers a note requesting sanctuary for six more refugees, including a pregnant woman. Jan acknowledges their irreversible role as a network. Antonina comforts children in the monkey house, reassuring them of safety while grappling with emotional toll, solidifying their commitment amid escalating danger.

Act 2a

• Seq 1:

  After witnessing Nazi atrocities, Jan resolves to help refugees. The Żabińskis take in Rebecca and her child but face immediate suspicion during Keller's surprise visit. They navigate the threat by creating a cover story, then execute a secret tunnel escape from the monkey house to a drainage culvert, guided by Antonina's lullaby signal.

• Seq 2:

  Jan and Antonina reinforce their commitment after confronting trauma. They prepare new hiding spots while Keller investigates their maid. During a night operation, Jan guides four refugees through tunnels with Jerzy's help, but Jerzy's notebook breach creates tension. The couple acknowledges their transformation from zookeepers to resistance operatives.

• Seq 3:

  Keller confronts Jerzy at the lion pen, testing his loyalty with a ration slip bribe. Jan and Antonina respond by planning to join the wider resistance network, strategizing like architects while Antonina plays a defiant lullaby.

• Seq 4:

  High-ranking officers Lang and Heilmann arrive unexpectedly. During their tour, Rebecca hides in terror while Jan debates cages with Lang. The officers demand worker lists before leaving. Afterwards, Jan and Antonina prepare for increased danger, suspecting betrayal as Jerzy contemplates Keller's ration slip.

• Seq 5:

  Jan obtains forged papers from the resistance amid street violence. The couple plans a zoo event as camouflage, hiding children during a raid scare. They interpret Keller's graveyard invitation as a test and prepare their counter-event. As SS officers arrive for the gathering, refugees are hidden with honey jars while Antonina readies her piano.

Act 2b

• Seq 1:

  Antonina plays a lullaby for the officers, creating a surreal atmosphere to mask sounds from hidden children. Keller notices a deliberate wrong note, heightening tension, but the performance concludes with polite applause and veiled threats about 'ghosts'.

• Seq 2:

  Jan reluctantly takes in a mute Jewish boy who lost his parents. The boy is hidden in the basement, where Rebecca tends to him as Antonina reflects on the erasure of identities for survival.

• Seq 3:

  Antonina and Jan move refugees to the old lion enclosure ahead of Keller's surprise audit. Soldiers search enclosures but find nothing due to clever hiding. The mute boy speaks for the first time, symbolizing hope amid danger as Keller escalates scrutiny of supply lines.

• Seq 4:

  Antonina shelters Friedrich and Elsa despite Jan's objections. Their suspicious behavior during tea (probing about cellars and bookshelves) alerts the hidden boy. Jerzy's anxiety about a ration slip escalates, culminating in Jan and Antonina confirming the couple are spies.

• Seq 5:

  Antonina forges papers and guides Rebecca and the boy through the canal, evading patrols. Jerzy struggles with guilt as Keller pressures him. The escape succeeds, but Keller prepares a new operation, forcing Antonina to hide another group.

• Seq 6:

  Antonina plays a defiant lullaby as the ghetto burns, then rushes to hide refugees in trapdoors. Jerzy uses a lion recording to distract searching soldiers. Keller confronts Antonina and Jan, dismissing the ghetto's suffering and hinting at imminent destruction.

• Seq 7:

  After ominous knocks, Keller arrives in civilian clothes, reminiscing about lullabies and childhood. He reveals his transfer, cryptically referencing 'ghosts,' then departs—leaving Antonina and Jan wary of his finality.

• Seq 8:

  Jerzy leads children via cart to a tunnel, hiding them under ivy. Gestapo officers question him, but he feigns ignorance. The children escape at sunrise, though Jerzy’s cover is compromised.

• Seq 9:

  Jan trades bread for ration stamps but mutters about needing 'one more night.' Jerzy is captured via a cabaret matchbook clue and tortured. Gestapo files confirm surveillance on the Żabińskis, dooming Jerzy.

• Seq 10:

  SS soldiers storm the zoo, killing animals and shooting flamingos. Jan helps one family escape while Antonina faces a cruel officer who leaves a bullet on her piano. The lion is killed, and Antonina discovers hanged bodies in Warsaw, culminating in her broken lullaby.

Act 3

• Seq 1:

  After witnessing Jerzy's execution and its emotional impact on the hidden boy, Antonina reaffirms their commitment to the resistance by retrieving a hidden note. She then successfully hides a new mother and child in the lion enclosure cellar, where the boy gifts the child a toy lion. The sequence concludes with Antonina interpreting Keller's cryptic rabbit delivery as a farewell rather than a threat, signaling reduced immediate danger.

• Seq 2:

  Rebecca returns to the war-ravaged zoo and emotionally reunites with the now-older boy in the basement. Antonina observes new animals arriving at the zoo while hearing a child play the xylophone, symbolizing hope's return amidst the ruins.

• Seq 3:

  The boy completes hopeful drawings while Jan hides another family in the lion enclosure, reassuring them of future renewal. Antonina navigates SS patrols to deliver supplies. When the Ghetto burns, the hidden children brace in the basement. The sequence culminates in spring 1945 as Allied tanks liberate Warsaw, Rebecca reunites with the boy, and Antonina witnesses animal crates arriving – confirming the war's end and the refugees' safety.

• Seq 4:

  The preserved basement mural gains a winged lion drawing with a Talmudic inscription. In 1965 Jerusalem, the Żabińskis are recognized as 'Righteous Among the Nations.' Antonina plants a sapling at Yad Vashem while a montage shows survivors thriving. Decades later, the tree stands tall beside the mural now displayed as a memorial, and a child places a new drawing celebrating their courage.