 Zookeepers Jan and Antonina Żabiński, responsible for saving hundreds of Jews within the zoo premises, were eventually granted the title of Righteous Among the Nations for their contribution, effort and good will.These events were documented in the novel "The Zookeeper's Wife" by Diane Ackerman and in the 2017 war drama film starring Jessica Chastain.Although the current zoo was opened on 11 March 1928, it roots can be traced to 17th century private menageries, often open to the public.