Benjamin Mee

Benjamin Mee is a British author and journalist best known for his 2008 memoir "We Bought a Zoo," which chronicles his purchase and renovation of the Dartmoor Zoological Park in Devon, England. After working as a DIY columnist and freelance journalist, Mee made the unconventional decision to purchase a dilapidated zoo in 2006, moving his entire family to the property. During this period, he faced both the challenges of restoring the zoo while dealing with his wife's terminal illness, experiences he documented in detail in his book. The success of Mee's memoir led to a 2011 film adaptation starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson. Following the book and film's release, Mee has continued his work as the director of the Dartmoor Zoological Park, which operates as a charitable trust focused on research, conservation, and education. Mee holds a PhD in Psychology from University College London and has contributed to publications including The Guardian and The Independent. His academic background has informed his approach to animal behavior and zoo management, leading to various speaking engagements and educational initiatives at the zoo.

Readers connect with Mee's authentic voice and personal journey in "We Bought a Zoo," with many noting his raw honesty about family challenges and grief while rebuilding the zoo. Multiple reviews highlight his ability to balance emotional moments with practical details about animal care and business operations. Liked: - Clear, conversational writing style - Behind-the-scenes look at zoo operations - Balance of family story with animal encounters - Humor mixed with serious topics Disliked: - Some find the pacing slow in middle sections - Technical zoo details occasionally overwhelm the narrative - British setting/references can confuse American readers - Differences from film adaptation disappoint some readers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (13,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (450+ reviews) Book Depository: 4/5 (200+ reviews) "More depth than the movie" appears frequently in positive reviews, while critical reviews often mention "expected more animal stories" or "too much focus on repairs/business."

We Bought a Zoo (2008) A memoir detailing the author's experience of purchasing and renovating Dartmoor Zoological Park in Devon while simultaneously coping with his wife's terminal illness and the challenges of managing a dilapidated zoo with no prior experience.

Note: While Benjamin Mee has written numerous newspaper and journal articles, We Bought a Zoo is his main published book.

Gerald Durrell wrote extensively about his experiences running a zoo and collecting animals, combining conservation work with storytelling in ways that mirror Mee's approach. His books share similar themes of family involvement in animal care and the challenges of zoo management.

James Herriot documented his life working with animals as a country veterinarian in Yorkshire, offering a comparable mix of humor and poignant moments in animal care. His works share Mee's ability to blend personal narrative with professional challenges in animal welfare.

Bill Bryson writes about life-changing adventures and career transitions with a similar blend of factual reporting and personal narrative. His work combines educational content with personal experience in a style similar to Mee's approach in documenting his zoo acquisition.

Jon Katz focuses on stories about animals and their impact on human lives, particularly through his experiences on Bedlam Farm. His accounts of life changes and animal care parallel Mee's journey from journalist to zoo owner.

Lawrence Anthony chronicled his experiences running a private wildlife reserve and working with endangered species in South Africa. His work shares Mee's focus on conservation and the day-to-day challenges of managing wild animals in captivity.