We Bought a Zoo

Benjamin Mee, a middle-aged man, is struggling to come to terms with the loss of his wife. The grief is still fresh, and the absence of his partner weighs heavily on him. As a father, he is determined to give his children, Dylan and Rosie, a brighter future. However, his current situation is far from ideal, and the once-vibrant house he shares with his children is now a somber reminder of the family's misfortunes. To put the past behind him and create a new sense of purpose, Benjamin sets his sights on a significant change. He purchases Rosalee, a 50-acre estate that comes with a zoo, an amusement park, and a variety of wild animals. The idea might seem eccentric, but for Benjamin's daughter Rosie, it is a dream come true. She has always been fascinated by animals, and the prospect of living among them fills her with excitement. Meanwhile, Benjamin's son Dylan is less-than-thrilled about the new development. He is an introverted teenager who is still reeling from the loss of his mother. The idea of leaving behind his school and friends to move to a zoo, of all places, is a daunting prospect. The financial burden of supporting his family is also a concern for Dylan, and he is worried that his father's hasty decision will lead to financial disaster. Upon arrival at Rosalee, Benjamin meets Matt Stevens, the head zookeeper, who has been tasked with the daunting task of bringing the zoo up to code. With a no-nonsense approach, Matt sets about introducing Benjamin to the various animals, including a grumpy elephant, a mischievous lemur, and a majestic lion named Robert Mongoose McQueen. Through their interactions, Benjamin begins to form a bond with Matt, who shares his passion for wildlife conservation. As the renovation work begins in earnest, Benjamin throws himself into the project, driven by his desire to create a thriving zoo. He also sees the endeavor as a way to keep his wife's memory alive by building a sanctuary where animals can thrive. Despite his efforts, however, the zoo faces financial challenges that threaten to derail the entire project. With limited funds and a dwindling revenue stream, Benjamin must find creative solutions to keep the zoo afloat. As the days turn into weeks, Dylan begins to see the zoo in a different light. He starts to bond with Matt, who has become a source of guidance and wisdom for the teenager. Through his interactions with the animals, Dylan starts to confront his grief and begins to heal. Rosie, on the other hand, is ecstatic about the zoo and throws herself into her new role as its youngest zookeeper. As the family navigates the challenges of running a zoo, they also face personal struggles. Benjamin's desire to keep his wife's memory alive is admirable, but it also serves as a constant reminder of what he has lost. Dylan's resistance to the new environment eventually gives way to an appreciation for the beauty of nature and the bond he shares with his sister and father. In the end, Benjamin's courage to start anew and his willingness to take risks pay off. Despite the odds against them, the family manages to turn the zoo around and create a vibrant community where animals and people can coexist. The film ends on a hopeful note, with Benjamin reflecting on the journey he and his children have taken. He realizes that starting a zoo was never just about creating a new home for animals but about rebuilding his family's life and finding a sense of purpose in the face of adversity.