Zoo at Real Art Ways

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Zoo

In 1941 marksmen from the Royal Ulster Constabulary, following a Directive from The Ministry of Public Security, shot dead 23 animals at Belfast Zoo. They destroyed one hyena, six wolves, one puma, one tiger, one black bear, one Barbary lion, two polar bears, one lynx and a giant rat named Hugo.

During these turbulent times, a woman secretly walked a young elephant from the zoo each evening to the backyard of her terraced home. There, she cared for and comforted it as the Luftwaffe bombs rained down over Belfast.

This is a true story… Seen through the eyes of 10 year old Tom (Art Parkinson), aided and abetted by his misfit friends, this moving adventure unfolds as Tom takes on the fight to save Buster the elephant.

Starring Art Parkinson, Penelope Wilton and Toby Jones.

"it's great to see an adventurous kids' movie based in Ireland. And of course, it's hard not to appreciate a story about a baby elephant and a kid that loves animals."

Samantha Celentano, Film Inquiry

"A thrilling adventure for all ages."

Justin Lowe, Hollywood Reporter

"One of the sweetest, most touching, heartbreaking and uplifting movies of the year."

Rick Bentley, Tribune News Service