# We Bought a Zoo

> 2011 film directed by Cameron Crowe

**Wikidata**: [Q956681](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q956681)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_Bought_a_Zoo)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/we-bought-a-zoo

## Summary
*We Bought a Zoo* is a 2011 film directed by Cameron Crowe, based on the memoir by Benjamin Mee. The film stars Matt Damon as a widowed father who purchases a dilapidated zoo to start a new life with his children.

## Key Facts
- Directed by Cameron Crowe, released in 2011
- Based on the memoir by Benjamin Mee
- Stars Matt Damon as Benjamin Mee, Scarlett Johansson as Kelly Foster
- Genre: Drama, Family, Romantic Comedy
- Production company: 20th Century Fox
- Country of origin: United States
- IMDb ID: tt1389137
- Rotten Tomatoes score: 64%
- Metacritic score: 58/100
- Box office gross: $120.1 million worldwide
- Runtime: 124 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- Based on true events from Dartmoor Zoological Park in Devon, England

## FAQs
**What is the plot of We Bought a Zoo?**
The film follows Benjamin Mee, a widowed father who, seeking a fresh start for his family, purchases a struggling zoo in Southern California. He and his children work to renovate the zoo while dealing with personal grief and the challenges of running a wildlife park.

**Who are the main cast members?**
Matt Damon stars as Benjamin Mee, Scarlett Johansson plays Kelly Foster (the head zookeeper), Colin Ford portrays Dylan Mee (Benjamin's son), and Maggie Elizabeth Jones plays Rosie Mee (Benjamin's daughter). Thomas Haden Church appears as Benjamin's brother Duncan Mee.

**Is We Bought a Zoo based on a true story?**
Yes, the film is based on the memoir "We Bought a Zoo" by Benjamin Mee, which chronicles his family's real-life experience purchasing and restoring Dartmoor Zoological Park in Devon, England in 2006.

**What genre does the film belong to?**
*We Bought a Zoo* is primarily a drama with elements of family and romantic comedy. It blends emotional storytelling about grief and family with lighter moments and a developing romance between the main characters.

**How was the film received by critics and audiences?**
The film received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for the performances (particularly Matt Damon's) but criticism for its sentimentality and predictability. It holds a 64% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and grossed $120.1 million worldwide against a $50 million budget.

## Why It Matters
*We Bought a Zoo* matters as a heartwarming family drama that explores themes of grief, renewal, and the healing power of taking risks. The film resonates with audiences through its authentic portrayal of a family rebuilding after loss, while also highlighting the challenges and rewards of wildlife conservation. Its basis in a true story adds depth and credibility to the narrative, inspiring viewers with the real Mee family's determination to save a failing zoo. The film also brings attention to the importance of zoos in conservation efforts and animal welfare, while showcasing the personal growth that comes from embracing new challenges. As a Cameron Crowe film, it represents his return to directing after a six-year hiatus and demonstrates his continued ability to craft emotionally engaging stories about human connections.

## Notable For
- Based on a true story memoir by Benjamin Mee
- Matt Damon's performance as a grieving father seeking renewal
- Cameron Crowe's return to directing after six years
- Filmed at Greenfield Ranch in Moorpark, California (standing in for Dartmoor)
- Features real animals from Working Wildlife and other animal training companies
- Soundtrack includes original music by Jónsi of Sigur Rós
- Addresses themes of grief, family, and second chances
- Box office success despite mixed critical reception
- Adaptation that changed the setting from England to California
- Family-friendly PG rating while dealing with mature themes

## Body
### Production and Development
*We Bought a Zoo* was developed from Benjamin Mee's 2008 memoir of the same name, which detailed his family's purchase and restoration of Dartmoor Zoological Park in Devon, England. The film rights were acquired by 20th Century Fox, with Cameron Crowe directing from his own screenplay adaptation. Crowe, known for films like *Jerry Maguire* and *Almost Famous*, made this his first directorial effort since *Elizabethtown* (2005). The production budget was approximately $50 million, with filming taking place primarily at Greenfield Ranch in Moorpark, California, which served as the stand-in for the English zoo setting.

### Cast and Characters
The film features an ensemble cast led by Matt Damon as Benjamin Mee, the widowed father who purchases the zoo. Scarlett Johansson portrays Kelly Foster, the dedicated head zookeeper who becomes both a professional ally and romantic interest to Benjamin. The younger cast includes Colin Ford as Dylan Mee, Benjamin's troubled teenage son, and Maggie Elizabeth Jones as Rosie Mee, his precocious younger daughter. Thomas Haden Church plays Duncan Mee, Benjamin's skeptical brother who provides comic relief and practical advice. The supporting cast includes Elle Fanning as Lily Miska, a young zoo employee who befriends Dylan, and Angus Macfadyen as Peter MacCready, the temperamental zoo architect.

### Animal Training and Wildlife
The film features numerous animal species, requiring extensive coordination with professional animal trainers. Working Wildlife, a company specializing in trained animals for film and television, provided many of the creatures seen on screen. The production included big cats, bears, snakes, birds, and various other exotic animals. Animal safety and welfare were prioritized throughout filming, with strict protocols in place to ensure the well-being of all creatures involved. The film's portrayal of zoo operations and animal care was informed by consultation with real zookeepers and wildlife experts.

### Music and Soundtrack
The musical score for *We Bought a Zoo* was composed by Jónsi Birgisson of the Icelandic band Sigur Rós, marking his first feature film score. The soundtrack blends Jónsi's ethereal, atmospheric style with more traditional orchestral elements, creating an emotional backdrop that complements the film's themes of hope and renewal. The score received positive reviews for its ability to enhance the emotional resonance of key scenes. The soundtrack album was released by Sony Classical and includes both the original score and selected songs featured in the film.

### Reception and Box Office Performance
Upon its release on December 23, 2011, *We Bought a Zoo* received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 64% approval rating based on 166 reviews, with an average rating of 6.1/10. Metacritic assigned the film a score of 58 out of 100 based on 37 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews." Critics praised the performances, particularly Matt Damon's portrayal of Benjamin Mee, but some found the film overly sentimental or predictable in its narrative structure.

Despite the mixed critical reception, the film performed well at the box office. It grossed $75.6 million in the United States and Canada and $44.5 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $120.1 million against its $50 million production budget. The film's family-friendly appeal and holiday release timing contributed to its commercial success, making it a profitable venture for 20th Century Fox.

### Cultural Impact and Legacy
While not achieving the critical acclaim of some of Cameron Crowe's earlier works, *We Bought a Zoo* has maintained a following among audiences who appreciate its heartwarming story and positive message. The film's exploration of grief and family healing resonated with many viewers, particularly those who have experienced loss. Its portrayal of the challenges and rewards of running a zoo has also sparked interest in wildlife conservation and the role of zoos in modern society.

The film's true story basis has led to increased awareness of the real Dartmoor Zoological Park, which continues to operate as a conservation and education center in Devon, England. Benjamin Mee and his family's real-life journey has inspired others to pursue unconventional paths and take risks in pursuit of their dreams.

### Technical Specifications
The film was shot using traditional 35mm film cameras, with cinematography by Rodrigo Prieto. The visual style emphasizes warm, natural lighting to create an inviting atmosphere that reflects the film's themes of hope and new beginnings. The production design, led by Clay Griffith, transformed the California location into a believable zoo setting, complete with animal enclosures, visitor areas, and staff facilities.

The editing, handled by Mark Livolsi, maintains a steady pace that allows for both emotional moments and lighter comedic beats. The sound design, supervised by Wylie Stateman, effectively captures the ambient sounds of a working zoo while ensuring clear dialogue and music throughout.

### Distribution and Home Media
Following its theatrical run, *We Bought a Zoo* was released on DVD and Blu-ray by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. The home media release included bonus features such as deleted scenes, a gag reel, and behind-the-scenes featurettes about the making of the film and the real story that inspired it. The film has also been made available on various digital platforms and streaming services, ensuring continued accessibility for audiences.

### Related Works
The primary source material for the film is Benjamin Mee's memoir "We Bought a Zoo: The Amazing True Story of a Young Family, a Broken Down Zoo, and the 200 Wild Animals That Change Their Lives Forever," published in 2008. The book provides more detailed accounts of the real Mee family's experiences and the challenges they faced in restoring Dartmoor Zoological Park. A children's version of the book was also published, making the story accessible to younger readers.

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