Is We Bought a Zoo a True Story? The Plot and Ending Explained

we bought a zoo

“We Bought a Zoo” is a famous 2011 family comedy movie. The biopic is loosely inspired by Benjamin Mee’s 2008 memoir of the same name. Cameron Crowe co-wrote and directed the film, which stars Matt Damon as Benjamin Mee, a widowed father. The story follows Benjamin’s decision to purchase a dilapidated zoo with his family, and their journey to prepare the zoo for its reopening to the public. The cast also includes Thomas Haden Church, Colin Ford, Scarlett Johansson, Patrick Fugit and John Michael Higgins.

The film was distributed by 20th Century Fox and premiered in the United States on December 21, 2011. The film was a box office success, grossing $120.1 million against a budget of $50 million. The film is released on Blu-ray and DVD by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. The film is set at Dartmoor Zoo (formerly known as Dartmoor Wildlife Park), a 33-acre zoo near the village of Sparkwell in Devon, England, and the inspiration for the story.

Is “We Bought a Zoo” a true story?

Yes, the 2011 movie We Bought a Zoo is based on a true story. The biographical film is loosely adapted from Benjamin Mee’s 2008 memoir of the same name. The film tells the true story of widowed father Benjamin Mee, who decides to purchase a dilapidated zoo and works with his family to restore it.

While the film took creative liberties, it was inspired by the memoirs of Benjamin May and the challenges he faced in bringing the zoo back to life.

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We bought the zoo actors

Actor name

Character name

Matt Damon benjamin m
Scarlett Johansson Kelly Foster
Thomas Haden Church Duncan M
Colin Ford Dylan M
Maggie Elizabeth Jones Rosie M
Elle Fanning Lily Miska
Patrick Fugit Robin Jones
John Michael Higgins walter ferris
Angus Macfadyen Peter MacReady
Carla Gallo Rhonda Blair
JB Smoove Mr. Stevens
Stephanie Szostak Katherine M
Desire Dick Shay Sager
Peter Riegert Delbert McGinty
Michael Parnes headmaster
Dustin Ybarra Nason
Cam Whitley Home Depot employee Eve
crystal monkey Herself
Bart/Tank Bear Buster
Tyler Selza zoo patron

We Bought a Zoo True Story Location

We Bought a Zoo was filmed at Dartmoor Zoo. Even after the release of We Bought a Zoo more than a decade ago, the story of Dartmoor Zoo remains fascinating. Zoo chief executive Benjamin Mee said the film continues to attract new audiences. In 2005, Benjamin and his family moved into a 13-bedroom property on 30 acres, with gardens unexpectedly populated by lions, tigers, bears, wolves and flamingos. Initially they thought it was “crazy,” but they visited the failing zoo and were fascinated by the animals and their uncertain future.

Benjamin revealed: “We were stupid enough to visit him and not see it as an option.” However, they were put in a dramatic situation where most of the animals would be euthanized if the zoo closed. After about six months of extensive negotiations to save the animals, they eventually purchased the dilapidated, unlicensed zoo.

We bought a piece of land for the zoo

After seven months of grieving the death of his wife, Catherine, Benjamin May decided it was time to start over. When his son Dylan is expelled from school, Benjamin realizes that their current situation is not going well and everything reminds them of Catherine. They began looking for a new home.

While touring various houses with real estate agent Mr. Stevens, Benjamin and his daughter Rosie stumble upon a large old house. Despite Mr. Stevens’s attempts to dissuade them, Benjamin is convinced it’s perfect, especially when he sees Rosie happily playing with the peacocks on the property. However, there’s a catch – they also have to purchase the zoo that’s part of the property. Benjamin was moved by Rosie’s joy, determined to change, and decided to buy the zoo.

With the help of zoo staff under Director Kelly Foster, the zoo began renovations and reopened. Benjamin’s lack of knowledge about zoo management did not deter him, and when asked why he bought the zoo, he asked, “Why not?” Dylan was annoyed by the idea of ​​leaving his colleagues, but he found comfort in his art . He forms a bond with Kelly’s homeschooled cousin Lily, who falls in love with him.

Their journey is challenged when strict USDA inspector Walter Ferris arrives and discovers expensive repairs. Zoo staff fear the property will be sold and the zoo will close. Benjamin discovers Catherine’s legacy and decides to use it for repairs instead of walking away. They reconciled during an argument with Dylan, who admitted missing Lily. Following Benjamin’s motto that it takes 20 seconds of courage, Dylan confesses his love to Lily and is forgiven.

Prior to its grand opening, the zoo passed Ferris’ rigorous inspection. However, a heavy rainstorm could ruin the event. Luckily the weather was nice and a large crowd gathered. A fallen tree blocked the road, but crews helped everyone overcome the obstacle. The zoo receives a large number of visitors and Benjamin and Kelly kiss.

Finally, Benjamin takes Rosie and Dylan to the hotel where he met Catherine. He told them the story of how his “20 seconds of crazy courage” changed his life. In his imagination, Catherine responds to his approach: “Why not?” Benjamin feels that he must forget his wife, but he acknowledges that she will always be a part of him.

we bought a zoo trailer

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