We Bought a Zoo

We Bought a Zoo chronicles Benjamin Mee's true story of purchasing and renovating Dartmoor Wildlife Park, a dilapidated zoo in the English countryside. The narrative follows his family's bold decision to leave their normal life behind and take on the challenge of saving a collection of exotic animals. Mee documents the day-to-day realities of zoo ownership, from financial struggles to animal care emergencies. The book details the extensive work required to bring the facility up to modern standards while maintaining the welfare of its 200 animals, including tigers, lions, and wolves. The author balances practical accounts of zoo management with personal reflections on family life and relationships. His story includes both professional and personal challenges as he works to achieve his unlikely dream of running a functional wildlife park. This memoir explores themes of risk-taking, perseverance, and the unexpected ways people can reinvent their lives. The narrative demonstrates how pursuing an unconventional path can lead to personal growth and new purpose.

Readers describe this memoir as heartfelt but uneven. Many note the book differs significantly from the movie adaptation. Readers appreciated: - The authenticity of Mee's personal struggles - Details about animal care and zoo operations - The balance between family story and wildlife management - British humor throughout difficult situations Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the middle sections - Too much focus on administrative/renovation details - Choppy writing style and timeline jumps - Less emotional depth than expected Ratings: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (4,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (300+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "The technical aspects of running a zoo were fascinating but sometimes overshadowed the human story." - Goodreads reviewer "Expected more about the animals, less about building permits." - Amazon reviewer "His matter-of-fact British way of handling tragedy and chaos made me laugh despite the serious subject matter." - Goodreads reviewer

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🦁 The book was adapted into a successful 2011 film starring Matt Damon, though the setting was changed from England to Southern California. 🏰 Dartmoor Wildlife Park, now called Dartmoor Zoological Park, was originally established in 1968 and covers 33 acres of woodland in Devon. 💔 During the renovation of the zoo, Mee's wife Katherine was battling brain cancer, adding an emotional layer to the family's already challenging journey. 🐯 The zoo houses some of the most dangerous category 1 animals, including tigers, lions, and bears, requiring special licenses and safety protocols. 🎓 Benjamin Mee has a background in behavioral psychology and previously worked as a journalist for The Guardian, making his zoo-keeping career change even more remarkable.