For children: A new book brings the heartbreaking stories of animals caught in wars

The police jeep was right behind them. The policemen jumped out and marched smartly into the zoo. Normally, the zoo was a busy place, with crowds of chattering people. But today, a deep hush filled the premises. The occasional hoots and chirps of birds sounded and sudden grunts echoed. Kumaran watched the policemen melt away among the trees.

Then the zoo erupted into confusion. Bangs sounded. Then came whimpers and roars and a long wailing scream that was very human. There was an urgent flapping of birds and dull thuds as heavy bodies slammed against the bars of the cage. Kumaran stood listening, wishing he could run in and save the animals from a death they didn’t deserve.

Since January 1942, Pulla Reddi had been writing to other zoos, asking if they had room for some animals. Some zoos had asked for more time while others had not bothered to reply. Erode Zoo finally agreed to house the animals. But the railways were busy and could not transport the animals and so they stayed on in Madras.

Then a policeman came out, holding a list. “These are the animals we have…” he said. But Kumaran wasn’t listening. He was still thinking of the terrible...

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