We Bought a Zoo cover art

We Bought a Zoo

The Amazing True Story of a Broken-Down Zoo, and the 200 Animals That Changed a Family Forever

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We Bought a Zoo

By: Benjamin Mee
Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
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About this listen

A film tie-in edition to 20th Century Fox’s film adaptation of the heart-warming international bestseller starring Scarlett Johansson and Matt Damon and directed by Oscar-winning director Cameron Crowe.

An amazing true story that has inspired the major Hollywood motion picture this Christmas, to be repackaged for release alongside the film. We Bought a Zoo is about one young family, a broken down zoo, and the wild animals that changed their lives forever. When Ben [played by Damon] and his wife Katherine [played by Johansson] sold their small flat in Primrose Hill, upped sticks with their children and invested their savings into a dilapidated zoo on the edge of Dartmoor, they were prepared for a challenge and a momentous change in all their lives. With over 200 exotic animals to care for – including an African lion, a wolf pack, a Brazilian tapir and a jaguar – Ben’s hands, and those of his wife, children and tiny team of keepers, were full.

What they weren’t prepared for was Katherine’s devastating second brain cancer diagnosis. Ben found himself juggling the daunting responsibilities of managing the park’s staff and finances, while holding the bailiffs at bay and caring for his wife.

A moving and entertaining story of courage and a family’s attempts to rebuild a zoo, and carry on after Katherine’s tragic death.

©2011 Banjamin Mee (P)2011 HarperCollins Publishers Limited
Animals Biological Sciences Outdoors & Nature Personal Development Personal Success Science Heartfelt Funny Witty Marriage England

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Critic reviews

DAILY MAIL
“Mee writes most movingly about his wife’s fatal illness, his children coming to terms with this, his sprightly old mum and, of course, his 200 wild animals in all their diverse glory.”

THE BELFAST TELEGRAPH
“We Bought a Zoo by Mee is a genuinely heartwarming true story of triumph over devastating events.”

SHORTLIST
“An engaging tale from someone who dared to do something different.”

THE WESTERN DAILY PRESS
‘’One of the most inspiring books I’ve read.”

INTERNATIONAL ZOO NEWS
“Hard to put down.”

ABERDEEN PRESS & JOURNAL
****
“Most people who spotted the advert appealing for new owners for an ailing zoo would not even have considered the possibility. Much more likely, they would have dismissed the idea out of hand. But one adventurous family saw a challenge and were prepared to meet it head on.”

All stars
Most relevant
My son and I really enjoyed listening to this story, mainly on our special trip to and from a safari park.

Up their with the works of Gerry Durrell and a throughly great book / listen

Beautiful and inspiring story

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An excellent book which I found myself laughing like I haven't for a long time!

really funny

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I really enjoyed this read. it is about a couple when tragedy hits them and the family decide to buy a wild animal park with absolutely no experience previously. it is all about this adventure between family, park, staff and animals. if you have seen the film forget it. This is based up a true story in England.

english journalist buys a zoo

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This is my second listen. I am sure there will be many more. Both the book and reader act as a. "Comfort Blanket".

Thank you.

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I absolutely loved this book and would recommend it to anyone. It kept me gripped all the way though! I think I need a trip to Dartmoor Zoo! (Just a shame I live in Yorkshire and its a bit far for a day trip!)

Fab

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