Is We Bought a Zoo a True Story? The Plot and Ending Explained
by Janani
Updated Jun 27, 2023
We Bought a Zoo
"We Bought a Zoo" is a famous family comedy-drama film from 2011. This biographical film is loosely inspired by Benjamin Mee's memoir of the same name published in 2008. Cameron Crowe co-wrote and directed the film, which features Matt Damon in the lead role of Benjamin Mee, a widowed father. The story revolves around Benjamin's decision to purchase a run-down zoo with his family and their journey to prepare it for reopening to the public. The cast also includes Thomas Haden Church, Colin Ford, Scarlett Johansson, , Patrick Fugit, and John Michael Higgins.
The film, distributed by 20th Century Fox, premiered in the United States on December 21, 2011. It achieved box office success, earning $120.1 million against a $50 million budget. The movie was released on Blu-ray and DVD by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. The film's setting, Dartmoor Zoological Park (formerly known as Dartmoor Wildlife Park), is a 33-acre zoological garden located near the village of Sparkwell in Devon, England, serving as the inspiration for the story.
Is We Bought a Zoo a True Story?
Yes, the 2011 film "We Bought a Zoo" is based on a true story. This biographical movie is loosely based on the 2008 memoir of the same name story, which was written by Benjamin Mee. The film follows the real-life experiences of Benjamin Mee, a widowed father who decides to purchase a dilapidated zoo and works towards restoring it with his family.
While the film takes creative liberties, it draws inspiration from Benjamin Mee's memoir and the challenges he faced in bringing the zoo back to life.
We Bought a Zoo Cast
Cast Name
Character Name
Matt Damon
Benjamin Mee
Scarlett Johansson
Kelly Foster
Thomas Haden Church
Duncan Mee
Colin Ford
Dylan Mee
Maggie Elizabeth Jones
Rosie Mee
Elle Fanning
Lily Miska
Patrick Fugit
Robin Jones
John Michael Higgins
Walter "Walt" Ferris
Angus Macfadyen
Peter MacCreedy
Carla Gallo
Rhonda Blair
J.B. Smoove
Mr. Stevens
Stéphanie Szostak
Katherine Mee
Desi Lydic
Shea Seger
Peter Riegert
Delbert McGinty
Michael Panes
School Principal
Dustin Ybarra
Nathan
Kym Whitley
Eve the Home Depot Clerk
Crystal the Monkey
Herself
Bart / Tank the Bear
Buster
Taylor Cerza
Zoo Patron
We Bought a Zoo True Story Location
We Bought A Zoo was filmed in Dartmoor Zoological Park. The Dartmoor Zoo story remains captivating even after the release of the movie "We Bought a Zoo" more than ten years ago. Benjamin Mee, the CEO of the zoo, shares that the film continues to attract new audiences. In 2005, Benjamin and his family moved into a 13-bedroom, 30-acre property that unexpectedly housed lions, tigers, bears, wolves, and flamingos in the garden. Initially considering it "insane," they visited the failing zoo and became enthralled by the animals and their uncertain future.
Benjamin revealed, "We were foolish enough to visit and dismiss it as an option." However, they became caught up in the dramatic situation that if the zoo were to close, most of the animals would be euthanized. Determined to save the animals, they embarked on extensive negotiations for about six months and eventually purchased the zoo, which was in a dilapidated state and lacked a license.
We Bought a Zoo Plot
After seven months of grieving his wife Katherine's death, Benjamin Mee decides it's time for a fresh start. When his son Dylan gets expelled from school, Benjamin realizes that their current situation isn't working and everything reminds them of Katherine. They set out to find a new home.
While touring various houses with their realtor, Mr. Stevens, Benjamin and his daughter Rosie stumble upon an old, large house. Despite Mr. Stevens' attempts to dissuade them, Benjamin is convinced it's perfect, especially when he sees Rosie happily playing with the peacocks on the property. However, there's a catch—they must also buy the zoo that is part of the property. Benjamin, moved by Rosie's joy and determined for a change, decides to purchase the zoo.
With the help of the zoo staff, led by head keeper Kelly Foster, renovations begin to reopen the zoo. Benjamin's lack of knowledge about zoo management doesn't deter him, and when asked why he bought the zoo, he asks, "Why not?" Dylan, irritated with the idea of leaving his colleagues, identifies solace in his art. He forms a bond with Lily, Kelly's homeschooled cousin, who develops a crush on him.
Their journey faces challenges when a strict USDA inspector, Walter Ferris, arrives and identifies costly repairs. The zoo staff worries that the property will be sold and the zoo closed. Benjamin discovers a bequest from Katherine, which he decides to use for the repairs instead of walking away. In an argument with Dylan, they reconcile and Dylan admits missing Lily. Following Benjamin's motto of needing 20 seconds of courage, Dylan confesses his love to Lily, leading to forgiveness.
Before the grand opening, the zoo passes a stringent inspection by Ferris. However, a rainstorm threatens to ruin the event. Fortunately, the weather clears, and a large crowd gathers. A fallen tree blocks the access road, but the staff helps everyone overcome the obstacle. The zoo receives an overwhelming number of visitors, and Benjamin and Kelly share a kiss.
Finally, Benjamin takes Rosie and Dylan to the hotel where he met Katherine. He tells them the story of his "20 seconds of insane courage" that changed his life. In his visualization, Katherine responds to his approach with, "Why not?" Benjamin feels that he must forget his wife but accepts that she will always be a part of him.
We Bought a Zoo Trailer
Is We Bought A Zoo a True Story - FAQ
Yes, the 2011 film "We Bought a Zoo" is based on a true story
The film was directed and co-written by Cameron Crowe.
The film stars Matt Damon as Benjamin Mee, Scarlett Johansson, Maggie Elizabeth Jones, Thomas Haden Church, Patrick Fugit, Elle Fanning, Colin Ford, and John Michael Higgins.
The film was released in the United States on December 21, 2011, by 20th Century Fox.
The film earned $120.1 million on a $50 million budget.