REVIEW: ‘Waiting for Giraffes’
Photo: Waiting for Giraffes takes a look at the trials and tribulations of the only zoo in the Palestinian Territories. Photo courtesy Film Forum / Provided with permission.
Waiting for Giraffes, a 2016 documentary by director Marco de Stefanis, follows the ordeals of a veterinarian in the only zoo operating in the Palestinian Territories.
Amidst disagreement and border walls, the small Qalqilya Zoo tries to survive and receive accreditation from the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, or EAZA. The odds are stacked against the zoo and its personnel. They struggle to meet industry standards, and their visits to the neighboring Jerusalem Zoo, a mentor facility, prove difficult given the need for proper documentation and extended travel time across the borders.
At the center of the trials and tribulations is Dr. Sami Khader, whose dream it is to see the Qalqilya Zoo receive respect and accreditation from EAZA. He has some problems though. Many of his facilities are outdated, and the animals don’t necessarily have the best of environments. When a visiting team of zookeepers stops in, they point out a sharp fence that can cut a child’s hand, the lack of hiding space for an animal to get away from the peering crowds, the need to change cages to glass panels and the requirement to have a rifle to take care of the larger carnivores.
Khader, to his credit, takes everything in stride. He knows improvements are needed, and he’s willing to do just about anything to keep the zoo functional, clean and ethical. Of course, those viewers who object to all zoos, even the ones with the highest of accreditations, will find fault in having animals in cages.
More than the zoo itself and the unique issues the doctor goes through to receive EAZA’s approval is the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people. In the background of the zoo facility is a border wall. The staff sometimes are denied entry to visit the Jerusalem Zoo, and at one point everyone’s visas are denied when they were meant to visit Budapest for an EAZA session. As one local government official says: everything in life seems to be political, even the care of animals.
Still, there’s great hope within this one-hour documentary. The connection between Khader and the Jerusalem Zoo’s leadership is inspiring, showcasing a peaceful exchange of ideas and support. They are not rehashing the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, but instead finding commonality and moving forward. They are friends, even though circumstances say they should be divided.
Waiting for Giraffes, so-called because the zoo has still not replaced its beloved giraffe after it died, takes a sideways glance at a regional conflict, and within its investigations, the film finds inevitable struggle, but also peace — enduring peace.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Waiting for Giraffe (2016), directed by Marco de Stefanis, features Dr. Sami Khader. In English and Arabic with English subtitles. Running time: 55 minutes. Rating: 
Click here for more information. The documentary previously played the Film Forum in New York City.
