Zoo

Zoo is Frederick Wiseman's realistic, singularly narrated impression of the life in front of and behind the cages of Miami's Metrozoo. The main point of this documentary is the 'operational' aspect of a big zoological garden. Wiseman has eyes for the ostensibly cruel aspects of the work but also shows the staff's dedication to the animals. He combines images of visitors with shots of a keeper who is killing off a rabbit before feeding it to the snakes. Images of the birth of a rhinoceros are followed by the autopsy on the still-born animal. The zoo, in which Wiseman filmed for 42 days, was heavily struck by hurricane Andrew not long after he had finished shooting. (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)