Zoo

( NARRATING) 1941 was a momentous year

in the history of the small industrial city of Belfast.

It's remembered by many as the year

war came to our shores,

bringing horrific terror and unimaginable destruction.

But not for me,

Tom Hall.

And that's because the contents of a wooden crate

making its way across the sea to our shores

was about to make that year

simply the most unforgettable year of my life.

The zoo is closed today, ladies and gentlemen.

Yes, just while we settle the elephant.

Come back another day.

No, no, you got no business being here today.

Off you go. Not today. Not today, moppet.

Moppet.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Would you like to meet him?

Come on.

He's perfect.

Is he okay?

Just fine.

Oh.

You're the first person he's done that to.

Got a special touch, eh?

Chip off the old block?

Special touch indeed.

This one's had a difficult time where he's come from,

and needs considerable attention.

And that's what we do best here in Belfast Zoo.

Sir, Tom has a name for him.

Buster.

Well, yes, I-I-I suppose we needed someone to name him.

Nobody better I'd say, eh, sir?

Yes, quite, yes.

Oh, well, very well, then.

Carry on.

I knew you'd choose Buster.

(ON RADIO) Orders have been issued this evening at 1600 hours

as a precaution,

calling up officers and men of the Anti-Aircraft

and coast defense units of the Territorial Army.

This is, as yet, not a measure of general mobilization

to include the Territorial Army.

As a further precaution,

officers and men on leave from the Royal Air Force

and the defense units of the Auxiliary Air Force,

and also the Observer Corps...

There's no use crying.

Every morning we'll be doing this drill.

I expect everyone to be in attendance.

Bombs or no bombs, this school remains open.

War does not halt education.

Any questions?

Uncle Hughie's going off to win the war, sir.

That's great, Peter.

I'm sure there'll be lots of men...

Auntie Ethna says she'll be glad at the peace.

We all want peace.

Oh, no, sir. She means from Uncle Hughie.

Right. No more silliness now, Peter.

Have you not heard?

We've been called up.

I go Friday.

This happened to me when I was your age.

My Grandpa Bill went off to war.

He sat me down, too.

I'll be coming home in no time.

Grandpa didn't.

Look after him for me, won't you?

I'd say a couple of tons or so.

He's just a small one.

Still, you're in charge?

- Ow! - Ah!

So this is new elephant I heard you lying all about, Hall?

Leave him alone.

You need a girl to save you, Hall?

Just leave him.

Or what? - You'll tell your DA?

Piss-head the drunk.

Classic.

Well, Hall?

I've been asked to look after an animal too.

What happened to it?

We found it outside Wi...

I killed it,

what happened.

Outside witch woman's house.

She'll hardly miss

one of her millions of stinking animals.

Let's leave this weirdo.

Oh, sorry. Sorry.

Oi, oi! Get back here, you toe rag!

Hi, Charlie!

Hey, Adam. Hey, John.

- Hello, Tom! - Hello!

Come here, Gilbert.

Come on.

That's it.

Still got it, old boy.

Hey. Hey.

Like that, don't you?

All right. Here we are.

What are you doing in here?

Oh, this is Jake.

He's replacing your father.

Apprentice vet, Lockleys.

Nice to meet you.

Here for Buster?

Proper vet, Tom.

Apprentice.

What's that?

It's medicine.

You allow him in here, sir?

- Dad said he's fine. Well...

one a day keeps the doc away.

Do you want me to...?

This isn't some wee pet rabbit, son.

Now, give us our cloth.

Dad usually does it by...

This one isn't backward at coming forward.

Dad always warms it up first.

Behind that door

is a real-life witch.

Listen.

Her house is full of stinking animals and birds.

And you know what?

She keeps them for one reason.

For eating.

She eats them birds, rats, rabbits, the lot.

Now you are going to throw that against her door right now.

Throw it.

It's not safe out here, little fella.

Mrs. Austin?

Hello?

Hello, Mrs. Austin?

Shoo, bunny.

Hello?

Lovely ones.

What...? Who are you?

I'm... I'm Tom. Tom Hall.

Get out.

Trespasser, get out.

- But your door pushed open. - It can't have. Get out.

I was just returning your guinea pig.

You evil...

No, I didn't.

I would never harm an animal.

Mrs. Austin!

I just thought you'd like it back.

Not you again.

But I've got money.

Hey.

Go on. Enjoy them.

Won't be here much longer.

I was worried about you last night.

Were you frightened?

We've a lot to organize today.

Yes, I'm afraid so.

Why aren't you at school?

Are the animals being moved or something?