When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the world watched in horror as countless lives were upended. But one group of innocent victims received far less attention—the animals trapped inside the Feldman Ecopark zoo in Kharkiv, near the Russian border. The powerful new documentary “Checkpoint Zoo” sheds light on this forgotten tragedy, telling a true story of survival, compassion, and courage.
Directed by Joshua Zeman and produced by Appian Way Productions (founded by Leonardo DiCaprio) alongside Osmosis Global and Abramorama, Checkpoint Zoo captures the harrowing ordeal of big cats, bears, orangutans, kangaroos, wolves, and birds caught in the crossfire of war. As Russian shelling and tracer fire rained down, three brave zoo workers lost their lives trying to protect the animals under their care.
The film follows the desperate mission to evacuate the surviving animals. Against impossible odds, a team of zookeepers and volunteers risked everything to rescue the creatures. From dodging bombs to carrying a lion to safety, these real-life heroes embody empathy, resilience, and selflessness in one of the most dangerous environments on Earth.
Premiered at the Tribeca Festival, Checkpoint Zoo has received acclaim for its unique war-time perspective—focusing not just on human casualties, but on the unintended victims of war: animals who rely entirely on people for survival. As the film’s official synopsis notes, it presents “a fresh perspective on the unintended victims of human conflict… while celebrating the extraordinary bravery and compassion of those who fought to save them.”
Zeman describes the project as “uplifting and hopeful,” noting the rare opportunity to restore faith in humanity through a war documentary. “Watching these men and women dodge bombs while carrying a lion to safety – it restores your belief in what people are capable of when guided by empathy and purpose,” he said.
Checkpoint Zoo begins its theatrical release in New York City this summer, with screenings and guest appearances by the filmmakers. The film has earned numerous accolades, including:
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Best Documentary – Miami Film Festival, Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival, Annapolis Film Festival
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Audience Awards – Tribeca Festival, Mill Valley Film Festival, Salem Film Fest
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Zelda Penzel Award – Hamptons International Film Festival
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Desert Views Award and Audience Prize – Palm Springs International Film Festival
Produced by Ghost Robot, in association with Noah Media Group and Appian Way, the film features cinematography by Nelson Hume and Olivier Sarbil, and a moving original score by Anne Nikitin. Executive producers include Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Davisson, Barry Smith, and others.
Checkpoint Zoo is more than a documentary—it’s a vital, unforgettable tribute to those who fight for the voiceless in times of chaos, and a reminder that acts of compassion can endure even amid devastation.
