We Bought A Zoo: The True Story Behind The Movie

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The heartwarming movie "We Bought a Zoo" captivated audiences with its tale of a family's adventure in rescuing a dilapidated zoo. But how much of the film is based on reality? Let's delve into the true story that inspired the movie.

The Real Benjamin Mee

  • Benjamin Mee, the protagonist of the story, is indeed a real person. He did buy a zoo, but his background and the timeline of events differ somewhat from the film.
  • In reality, Mee was a newspaper columnist and not an adventure journalist as portrayed in the movie.
  • The decision to buy a zoo came after a period of grief following his wife's illness, similar to the movie's plot. He sought a fresh start for his family.

Dartmoor Zoological Park

  • The zoo in question is Dartmoor Zoological Park, located in Sparkwell, Devon, England. Mee purchased the park in 2006.
  • The zoo was in a state of disrepair, with aging infrastructure and a declining animal population. Mee and his family faced significant challenges in restoring it.
  • Unlike the movie, the real Mee family had less experience with animals. They relied heavily on the existing zookeepers and staff.

Differences Between the Movie and Reality

While the movie captures the essence of the Mee family's journey, some aspects were fictionalized for dramatic effect:

  • Timeline: The movie condenses the timeline of events. In reality, the process of buying and renovating the zoo took longer.
  • Characters: Some characters were composites or entirely fictionalized. For instance, Kelly Foster, played by Scarlett Johansson, is not a real person.
  • Animal Escapes: While there were challenges with animal management, the dramatic escapes depicted in the film were exaggerated.

The Legacy of Dartmoor Zoo

  • Despite the challenges, the Mee family successfully reopened Dartmoor Zoo in 2007.
  • The zoo has become a thriving attraction, contributing to wildlife conservation and education.
  • Benjamin Mee's book, also titled "We Bought a Zoo," provides a more detailed account of his experiences.

"We Bought a Zoo" is a testament to the power of resilience, family, and the importance of preserving wildlife. While the movie takes creative liberties, the true story behind it is equally inspiring. Dartmoor Zoo continues to operate, welcoming visitors and furthering its mission of conservation. If you are interested in learning more, visit the Dartmoor Zoological Park's official website Dartmoor Zoo.