We Bought a Zoo: The Amazing True Story of a Young Family, a Broken Down Zoo, and the 200 Wild Animals That Changed Their Lives Forever

I loved the movie, but the book is a bit different then what the movie shows. It was still intriguing & I highly enjoyed it! I gave it a 4 star because there were a few swear words, which I don't like... other then that, it was a phenomenal book! If you want to learn the real story about it, then you should read this book first & then watch the movie! I do recommend this book for sure!!

This true story of a young family who bought a broken down zoo with 200 wild animals and how they managed to revive their family and the zoo makes for a powerful memoir to fascinate any interested in wildlife management. The zoo was located in the English countryside and author Mee, who specializes in animal behavior, had a dream to run it as a family business. His family efforts and the engaging stories of zoo residents who sometimes proved a challenge makes for fascinating reading. General-interest lending libraries will love it.

This is a terrific book. Probably because it is something I always wished I could do.

I felt like I was right alongside the author and his family as they experienced the adventure of buying their own zoo. Very well written, poignant and so much fun!

Benjamin Mee has finally settled his family in a French barn/house and has settled in to write a book when his father dies and his siblings begin to consider purchasing a zoo. His 76 year old mother supports this idea, but negotiations fall apart and each sibling returns to their lives. Mee and his wife Katherine and son Milo and daughter Ella are busy with daily life when a health problem strikes Katherine and the Mee family is just trying to survive. In the midst of this the zoo becomes available again and after protracted negotiations and countless compromises the family, minus one brother purchase the zoo which they rename Dartmoor Wildlife Park. Life at the zoo is a continuing series of struggles as the family tries to return the park to a financial success. The children and the staff come to respect and love the animals. Of course there are unexpected crisis...escaping cats, sick animals, sick family and the countless health inspections. We Bought a Zoo is a delightful glimpse into what it takes to run a small private zoo and a glimpse of what might be referred to as the eccentricity of the British. I appreciated the honest account of one family's plunge into chasing a dream. While the story sometimes holds the reader at arm's length, it is a heartwarming read.