Elephant from "Zoo Story"
1957, Japanese. Directed by Kajirō Yamamoto.
The fifth film in the Toho Diamond series, following "The Hateful Thing." Based on the true story of "Zoo Story" by author Fukuda Saburo. During the Tokyo air raids of World War II, Zen-san, an elephant keeper at Ueno Zoo, is faced with the heartbreaking task of euthanizing Tonki, a beloved elephant, due to food shortages and wartime pressures. Unable to carry out the order, Zen-san secretly feeds Tonki, but the elephant is ultimately shot by the military police. The film poignantly captures Zen-san’s despair and the devastation of war, as he reflects on his powerlessness amid the chaos.
- Runtime
- 1h 7m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- Japanese
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch Elephant from "Zoo Story"
Elephant from "Zoo Story" isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 9 April 1957.
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Cast & crew
- Kajirō YamamotoDirector
- Kenichi EnomotoZen-san (Elephant Officer)
- Keiju KobayashiHead of Animal Care Division, Higashi
- Momoko KôchiYoshiko (Student mobilization)
- Kyōko AnzaiMiyazawa Sensei
- Yoshio KosugiSugiura (Gatekeeper)
- Sachio SakaiTamura (Lion Officer)
- Sōji UbukataDirector of Toda Zoo
- Noriko HonmaTetsu (Zen's wife)
- Okayu TakaTakahashi (Leopard)
- Akira SeraIto (Small Bird)
- Mitsuo TsudaInoue (Camel handler)
- Tadao NakamaruNarita (Sergeant)
Details
- Released
- 9 April 1957
- Original title
- 「動物園物語」より 象
- Country
- Japan
- Written by
- Kajirō Yamamoto
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News & fan talk
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Elephant from "Zoo Story": quick answers
Is Elephant from "Zoo Story" worth watching?
Elephant from "Zoo Story" doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is Elephant from "Zoo Story"?
Elephant from "Zoo Story" runs 67 minutes (1h 7m).
Does Elephant from "Zoo Story" have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Elephant from "Zoo Story". Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Elephant from "Zoo Story" parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for Elephant from "Zoo Story" yet.
Which OTT platform is Elephant from "Zoo Story" on?
Elephant from "Zoo Story" isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 9 April 1957. (Checked 13 November 2026.)
What movies are like Elephant from "Zoo Story"?
If you liked Elephant from "Zoo Story", try The Eel, Hands of Stone, Rebound: The Legend of Earl 'The Goat' Manigault.
Who directed Elephant from "Zoo Story"?
Elephant from "Zoo Story" (1957) was directed by Kajirō Yamamoto and stars Kenichi Enomoto, Keiju Kobayashi, Momoko Kôchi.