During World War II, zoo animals faced a grim reality as many were killed or starved due to the scarcities caused by the war. Bombings led to the destruction of zoos, causing the death of numerous animals and the escape of others into the city, posing a threat to the public. In some places, people, struggling with food shortages, were forced to kill these animals for food. Despite these harsh conditions, some zookeepers went to great lengths to protect the animals, highlighting the resilient bond between humans and animals. The war, thus, took a heavy toll not just on human life, but also drastically affected the world's zoos and their inhabitants.