The Zoo Gang

The Zoo Gang was a 1974 ITC Entertainment drama series that ran for six one-hour colour episodes, based on the 1971 book of the same name by Paul Gallico.

Six resistance fighters, known by their animal-based code names, fought during World War II. Their efforts came to a stop when one of their number, "the Wolf", betrayed them to the Gestapo. In their interrogation, one of their number, Claude Roget, the husband of Manouche ("the Leopard") was shot before her eyes. Thirty years later, Thomas Devon ("the Elephant") spots the Wolf in his shop. The surviving members of the Zoo Gang drop what they are doing and rendezvous for vengeance. The series follows the adventures of the remaining gang of four resistance fighters reunited 30 years later to scam habitual con artists and criminals in order to take their money and use it for good causes. Despite their ages, they put their skills and experience to use to raise enough money to construct a hospital in the memory of Claude. The gang is (reluctantly) aided by the son of Manouche and Claude, an inspector in the French police.

The series is set on the French Riviera in Nice. Guest stars included Philip Madoc, Peter Cushing, Jacqueline Pearce, and Doctor Who villain Roger Delgado.

The complete series was released on Region 2 DVD on July 2, 2007. Actor Barry Morse, The Tiger, was the last surviving actor from the series and provides an introduction in the 'extras' of the DVD set.