We Bought A Zoo: The Real-Life Story Behind The Film

The film We Bought a Zoo, starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson, charmed audiences with its heartwarming tale of a family who impulsively buys a dilapidated zoo and works to restore it to its former glory. But how much of the movie is based on actual events? The answer is: quite a bit! Let's delve into the true story behind We Bought a Zoo.

The Real Benjamin Mee

Benjamin Mee is indeed a real person. Just like in the movie, he was a widowed father who decided to make a drastic change in his life. Following the death of his wife, Mee, searching for a fresh start for himself and his children, stumbled upon Dartmoor Zoological Park in Devon, England, which was up for sale. — Dye: Definition, Types, And Uses Explained

Dartmoor Zoological Park

Much like the film depicts, the zoo was in a state of disrepair and faced closure if a buyer wasn't found. Mee, with no prior experience in animal husbandry or zoo management, decided to take the plunge and purchase the property in 2006. His motivations were a mix of wanting an adventure and providing a unique upbringing for his children, Ella and Milo (renamed Rosie and Dylan in the film). — Ballon D'Or: Official Website And Latest News

Differences Between the Movie and Reality

While the core story remains faithful, Hollywood took some creative liberties for dramatic effect:

• Timeframe: The movie condenses the timeline of events. In reality, the process of acquiring the zoo, renovating it, and obtaining the necessary licenses took considerably longer than portrayed in the film.
• Characters: Some characters were fictionalized or composites of real people. For instance, Kelly Foster, played by Scarlett Johansson, is a fictional character, although she represents the dedicated staff who worked at the zoo.
• Specific Events: Certain dramatic events, such as the tiger escaping, were added for cinematic tension and did not actually occur.

The Challenges and Triumphs

Mee and his family faced numerous challenges in bringing Dartmoor Zoological Park back to life. These included:

• Financial difficulties: The zoo required significant investment to meet modern standards and ensure the well-being of the animals.
• Regulatory hurdles: Obtaining the necessary licenses and permits was a complex and time-consuming process.
• Animal care: Learning to care for a diverse collection of animals, from tigers to monkeys, required a steep learning curve.

Despite these obstacles, Mee and his team persevered. They renovated enclosures, improved animal care, and built a strong connection with the local community. Dartmoor Zoological Park reopened in 2007 and has since become a popular tourist attraction, contributing to the local economy and providing a home for a wide variety of animals.

Legacy

We Bought a Zoo is a testament to the power of resilience, family, and pursuing unconventional dreams. While the movie embellishes some aspects of the story, the heart of the film remains true: one man's determination to create a better life for his family and save a struggling zoo. Dartmoor Zoological Park continues to thrive today, a living legacy of Benjamin Mee's extraordinary endeavor.

Visit Dartmoor Zoological Park: Plan your visit to see the zoo for yourself and support their conservation efforts! — Wall Decals: Transform Your Space With Stickers