Diane Ackerman is best known for her more recent books “A Natural History of the Senses” and “The Human Age: The World Shaped By Us.” However, “The Zookeeper’s Wife,” a story about a quiet heroine that the world would not have known about otherwise, is the first of her books to make the leap from page to screen.

Women and Hollywood spoke to Ackerman about Antonina Żabiński, the real life historical figure portrayed by Jessica Chastain, the movie’s predominantly female production team, and how the story translates in current times.

“The Zookeeper’s Wife” hits theaters March 31.

W&H: Congratulations on the success of “The Zookeeper’s Wife.” I understand this book holds a special place in your heart. Tell us why.

DA: For several reasons. My maternal grandparents came from Poland, and it’s a story of their homeland. I also felt a special kinship with Antonina, because of her deep love of animals and her sense of being woven into the fabric of nature. She loved and respected and nurtured animals and humans alike. Her story is full of moral courage and compassionate daring. Also, we tend to equate heroes with violence and being larger than life, but her story shows what so-called “ordinary” people often rise to; it highlights towering acts of compassion, not just violent forms of heroism. Her weapons of choice were love and kindness.

W&H: What was the collaborative process with screenwriter Angela Workman like?

DA: I didn’t work on the screenplay, but I conferred with Angela Workman, and I think she did a fabulous job of adapting the book. The book and film are different experiences, as is always the case, and it was fascinating to see how one art form can be transformed into another.

When I read the final script, I was delighted to see how closely the screenplay follows the book, including even small, sensory details. The book unfolds over four years or so, every day of which was emotionally charged and dangerous. The movie had to compress those events into two hours. That requires creative transmogrification — a word I can’t say I’ve often used before! I was enchanted discovering how a team of gifted artists — from screenplay writer to director, actors, set designer, and many more — translated the book into film. It enriched the story for me.

W&H: Tell us about the evolution of your story.

DA: I came to the story through the animals. I’ve always been an animal lover, and my fascination with ancient horses led me to a Polish forest, then to the Warsaw zookeepers adopting orphan animals from that forest, then to the zookeeper’s wife, then to her diary, which I had translated for me. When I discovered her beautiful sensibility and humanitarian acts, I knew I would have to share her story.

W&H: How closely did you work with Antonina’s daughter, Teresa, during your research phase? Tell us about that part of the process of writing the book.

DA: Although I interviewed Rhys [Antonina’s son] on my trip to Poland, I didn’t work with Teresa, who was out of the country. But Teresa and I were in touch by email, and it was such a thrill to meet her in person on the set in Prague.

W&H: Antonina was not, as her husband once called her, a housewife, but a hero. How important was this to you as you were writing?

DA: She was both a housewife and a hero — and also a zookeeper’s wife and a counselor and a mom and so much more. She teaches us that you don’t need to be larger than life to do great things. If you open your heart to compassion and empathy, you can discover strength and purpose you didn’t know you had.

W&H: The film had a largely-female production team, from director Niki Caro to you and Angela to several of the producers. Was that intentional? How did that impact your experience of making the film?

DA: All the women who are involved with the film have reached deep into themselves to find an indomitable kinship that transcends culture or era. We all identify with and admire Antonina, and also realize how many roles she played, as women always do.

W&H: How did you feel when you first saw Jessica Chastain as Antonina?

DA: Startled, fascinated, powerfully moved. She inhabited the character beautifully, and brought what the Poles call “hart ducha” (spirit, courage, big heartedness) to the role.

W&H: You write about “subversive acts of compassion” and how Jan Żabiński and his wife were not only crucial participants in preserving animals of the forest sanctuary, but also in preserving Jewish lives during the Nazi occupation of Warsaw. What was it like writing about the Holocaust?

DA: Challenging and emotional, as you can imagine.

W&H: The story is very relevant in modern times. What do you think of the timing of the film’s release?

DA: The book came out 10 years go, but it couldn’t be more relevant today. We’re facing many of the same threats, forces, and choices that Antonina and Jan did.

W&H: What are your ultimate hopes for this film?

DA: I hope it will touch the hearts of viewers, provide a cautionary tale about the Holocaust, and celebrate Antonina and all the women like her, who are role models for the power of love and compassionate heroism.