We Bought A Zoo Is It A True Story
So, you’ve seen We Bought A Zoo. You know, the one with Matt Damon, who’s basically America’s sweetheart even when he’s covered in… well, let's just say zoo-related stuff. It tugged at your heartstrings, made you laugh, maybe even cry a little when that one zebra was being a drama queen. And then, BAM! The question hits you, like a rogue peacock feather to the face: Was this whole adorable, chaotic, animal-filled saga actually real?
Well, gather ‘round, folks, because the answer is a glorious, slightly messy, and very true YES! That’s right, the Benjamin family, with their brood of kids and their slightly-mad-genius father, actually did the unthinkable. They bought a zoo. Not a tiny petting zoo with a grumpy llama, no sir. We’re talking a full-blown, lion-roaring, meerkats-doing-their-thing kind of zoo. Imagine the paperwork alone! I bet it involved more signatures than a celebrity autograph session.
The real-life hero behind this wild adventure is a chap named Benjamin Mee. And let me tell you, his story is even more jaw-dropping than a giraffe trying to eat a shoelace. He wasn’t just some millionaire looking for a quirky hobby. Nope. Mee was a journalist, and the zoo he bought was, to put it mildly, in dire straits. Think of it as a fixer-upper with a serious animal problem. Like, the kind of problem where the tenants might eat you.
The zoo in question was called Dartmoor Zoological Park in Devon, England. And when Mee and his family swooped in, it was less of a thriving wildlife sanctuary and more of a… well, a place that was about to be shut down. The previous owners had apparently thrown in the towel, leaving behind a motley crew of animals and a mountain of debt. I picture it like a scene from a forgotten attic, full of dusty treasures and the lingering smell of mothballs… and, you know, tiger pee.
Mee, bless his brave, possibly slightly unhinged, heart, saw this dilapidated haven as a chance for a fresh start. After the tragic loss of his wife, Katharine, he wanted something that would not only give his two young children, Thomas and Rosie, a sense of stability but also a sense of wonder. And what’s more wonderful than a whole zoo? Besides, I guess, a lifetime supply of pizza. But zoos are more aesthetically pleasing, and probably smell better in the long run… debatable.
The movie, of course, takes some creative liberties. Because if it were a documentary, it would probably involve a lot more scenes of people filling out insurance forms and arguing about who left the gate open. Scarlett Johansson wasn’t actually there, sadly. And while Matt Damon is a legend, the real Benjamin Mee is a bit more… well, British. Think less brooding action hero, more determined dad with a very unusual to-do list.
One of the biggest challenges in the movie, and in real life, was the sheer scale of the undertaking. You don’t just buy a zoo. You inherit a whole ecosystem. You inherit staff who probably have more stories than a library. You inherit animals who have their own opinions on everything from diet to enclosure decor. Imagine trying to negotiate a peace treaty with a grizzly bear. That’s a Tuesday for Benjamin Mee.
The film highlights the struggles, the near-disasters, and the moments of sheer panic. And believe me, those were all very, very real. The Mees had to raise a significant amount of money to not only buy the zoo but also to renovate it, care for the animals, and ensure their safety. This wasn't a weekend DIY project. This was a full-blown, life-altering commitment. I’m pretty sure my biggest commitment on a weekend is to finishing a bag of chips.
And the animals! Oh, the animals. The movie makes them out to be these adorable characters, and in many ways, they are. But they’re also wild creatures with needs and instincts. The film does a good job of showing the dedication of the zookeepers and the Mee family in understanding and catering to these needs. They had to learn about everything from lion diets to the social hierarchy of meerkats. I can barely keep track of my own social hierarchy in a crowded supermarket aisle.
A particularly poignant part of the story, both in the film and in reality, is the closure of the zoo. Yes, you read that right. After years of hard work, dedication, and a whole lot of poop-scooping, the Dartmoor Zoo eventually had to close its doors to the public in 2006. This is where the movie, understandably, takes a happier turn, ending with the zoo thriving. But the truth is, it was a valiant effort that ultimately couldn’t overcome the financial realities. It’s a tough pill to swallow, like a particularly dry biscuit.
However, the spirit of the story, the bravery and the love that drove the Mee family, is absolutely true. Benjamin Mee channeled his grief into a project that, for a time, brought joy and a sense of purpose to so many. He and his children learned invaluable lessons about responsibility, resilience, and the incredible power of nature. And that, my friends, is a story worth telling, even if the ending isn't quite as perfectly wrapped up as a Hollywood blockbuster.
Benjamin Mee went on to write the memoir, We Bought a Zoo, which is the basis for the film. And it’s a fantastic read, full of the gritty details and the emotional highs and lows that the movie could only touch upon. He’s spoken about the immense challenges, the sheer exhaustion, and the profound moments of connection with the animals. He didn't just buy a zoo; he lived a zoo.
So, while the movie might give us a neat and tidy happily-ever-after with lions roaring in harmony, the real story is a testament to human spirit, the love for family, and the unwavering belief in second chances. It's a story that reminds us that even when things seem impossible, a little bit of bravery, a lot of hard work, and perhaps a well-timed dose of madness, can lead to extraordinary adventures. And who knows, maybe it'll inspire someone out there to finally buy that llama farm they've been dreaming about. Just make sure it comes with a good fencing contractor.
