It's 1941 Belfast. Tom Hall is excited about the arrival of baby elephant Buster to the zoo. His father is its veterinarian and is sent off to war. After a night of bombing, officials order the killing of the zoo's predators fearing an escape of the dangerous animals. Tom is horrified and he learns that Buster could be next if the bombings continue. Tom decides to liberate Buster with the help of troubled classmate Jane Berry. They recruit big kid Pete. On the night of the rescue, Pete brings along his dwarf brother Mickey. The group is discovered by Security Guard Charlie (Toby Jones) but he allows them to escape. They are forced to hide Buster in the backyard of reclusive animal lady Denise Austin.
This is a sweet story for kids and for kids at heart. This is one for the animal lovers. If it's missing anything, it's missing a more threatening villain. The bully kid could have more time on screen. He could have intensified the tension. As it stands, the tension isn't that high. The kids are sweet. The relationship is heart-breaking. At least, that's a fictionalization of the true story.