The director of the Warsaw Zoo and a Polish underground resistance leader during the Nazi occupation, who worked to save Jewish lives through his involvement with the Home Army while maintaining various government jobs.

The firstborn child of the Żabińskis, who grew up surrounded by zoo animals considered as pets and assisted in their care during the war. He learned the importance of secrecy and had to endure the realities of war from a young age.

A term used by the Żabińskis to refer to the Jewish refugees they sheltered and helped move to safety during the Nazi occupation, including many prominent Jewish professionals who sought refuge at the zoo.

Inhabitants of the zoo that provided comfort and hope to the Żabińskis, their Guests, and served as symbols throughout the narrative. Notably include the badger that reappeared after the war, highlighting resilience.

Nazi soldiers and other authorities who enforced oppressive measures in Warsaw, revealing the narrative's conflict. Also includes groups like the Polish police and informants enforcing or exploiting these measures, as well as the Russians, who later occupied post-war Poland.