We Bought A Zoo: The Real Story Behind The Movie
The film "We Bought a Zoo" charmed audiences worldwide with its heartwarming tale of a family's journey to revive a dilapidated zoo. But how much of the movie is based on reality? Let's delve into the true story behind this inspiring film.
The Real Benjamin Mee
At the heart of the story is Benjamin Mee, played by Matt Damon in the movie. The real Mee was indeed a widowed father who decided to make a drastic change in his life. However, unlike the film, Mee was a newspaper columnist, not an adventure journalist. His motivation for buying the Dartmoor Zoological Park in Devon, England, stemmed from a desire to find a unique and challenging project for his family after his wife's passing.
Dartmoor Zoological Park: A Wild Undertaking
In 2006, Mee and his family purchased the dilapidated Dartmoor Zoological Park, inheriting over 200 animals. The zoo was in dire need of renovation and faced closure if it didn't meet specific standards. This high-stakes situation mirrors the film's narrative, as the Mee family had to work tirelessly to bring the zoo back to life within a tight timeframe. — Mexico U-20 Vs. Argentina: Youth Soccer Showdown!
Key Differences Between the Movie and Reality
While the film captures the essence of the Mee family's experience, there are several key differences: — Here With Me: D4VD Lyrics & Song Meaning Explained
- Timeline: The movie condenses the timeline of events for dramatic effect. In reality, the process of buying and renovating the zoo took longer than portrayed.
- Characters: Some characters were either composites of multiple people or entirely fictionalized to enhance the storyline.
- Animal Escapes: While the film features dramatic animal escapes, the real zoo faced fewer incidents of this nature.
The Impact and Legacy
Despite the discrepancies, "We Bought a Zoo" successfully conveys the spirit of determination and resilience that defined the Mee family's journey. The film brought significant attention to Dartmoor Zoological Park, boosting visitor numbers and contributing to its ongoing success.
Today, Dartmoor Zoological Park thrives as a testament to the Mee family's vision and hard work. It continues to operate as a zoological park, dedicated to conservation and education. Visitors can experience the magic of the zoo and learn about the real-life story that inspired the beloved film. The park's official website is a great resource to plan your visit and learn more about their conservation efforts.
Conclusion
"We Bought a Zoo" is a touching story of overcoming adversity and pursuing dreams. While the film takes creative liberties, the core of the story remains true to the Mee family's extraordinary experience. Their dedication to saving Dartmoor Zoological Park serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved with passion and perseverance. Discover more about the real story and plan your visit to Dartmoor Zoological Park to experience the magic firsthand! — Kevin Costner's Ear: The Story Behind It
