We Bought a Zoo

We Bought a Zoo

Year: 2011

Runtime: 124 min

Language: English

DramaComedy

Facing financial hardship, a family makes a surprising decision: they purchase an abandoned English zoo home to over 200 animals. The owner, Benjamin Mee, must then work to restore the zoo to its former glory while dealing with the challenges of caring for his children, the health concerns of his wife, and the unpredictable nature of the animals—including a few escaped tigers. Through the experience, he discovers the importance of love, family, and resilience.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen We Bought a Zoo yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – We Bought a Zoo (2011)

Explore the full timeline and setting of We Bought a Zoo (2011). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film doesn’t specify a distinct time period, but the contemporary setting emphasizes the emotional reality of a family dealing with loss and change. The storyline progresses through the seasons, highlighting the physical and emotional transformations the characters undergo.

Location

a dilapidated zoo, a new home

The movie is primarily set in a dilapidated zoo that Benjamin Mee decides to purchase and restore. This zoo, once closed, becomes a symbol of hope and renewal for Benjamin and his family as they navigate their grief and seek to create new memories. Additionally, the search for a new home highlights the theme of starting anew in a more vibrant environment.

🏡 Home 🦓 Zoo

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:56

Main Characters – We Bought a Zoo (2011)

Meet the key characters of We Bought a Zoo (2011), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Benjamin Mee

Benjamin is a widowed father who is grappling with the loss of his wife while trying to make sense of his life and his children's needs. He exhibits resilience and determination as he seeks to turn their lives around by purchasing a zoo, seeing it as a way to heal. His growth throughout the film reveals deeper insights about courage, love, and family bonding.

👨‍👧‍👦 Fatherhood 🦁 Zoo Keeper

Dylan

Dylan is Benjamin's 14-year-old son, who struggles with feelings of loss and displacement. His character illustrates the challenges of adolescence amidst family upheaval. Through art, he copes with his emotions and learns to express himself, finding comfort in new friendships while facing both external and internal conflicts.

🎨 Art 😔 Grief

Rosie

Rosie, Benjamin's 7-year-old daughter, serves as a beacon of innocent hope and joy, bringing light to the family's somber reality. Her excitement about the zoo symbolizes new beginnings, and her character reminds the audience of the importance of childlike wonder in the face of adversity.

🦄 Innocence 🌈 Hope

Kelly Foster

Kelly is the zoo's head caretaker, who embodies passion and commitment to the animals. Her strong character becomes a source of support and connection for Benjamin, helping him both with the zoo and in navigating his grief. She represents the possibility of new relationships arising from shared goals.

🦒 Animal Care 💪 Strength

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:56

Major Themes – We Bought a Zoo (2011)

Explore the central themes of We Bought a Zoo (2011), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌱 Renewal

A major theme is renewal, as the characters strive to rebuild their lives after a profound loss. Benjamin's decision to purchase and restore the zoo represents his desire to create new beginnings for himself and his children. This journey of revitalizing not just the zoo but also their family dynamics is a central focus of the narrative.

❤️ Love and Loss

The film explores the theme of love and loss through Benjamin's memories of his late wife, Katherine. This theme is interwoven with the development of new relationships and the importance of cherishing those we have lost while finding ways to live fully in the present.

🎨 Self-Discovery

Self-discovery is another significant theme as each character grapples with their identity in light of recent changes. Benjamin, Dylan, and Rosie each embark on personal journeys that reflect their struggles and growth in response to their circumstances, highlighting the profound impact of courage and resilience.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:56

Unlock the Full Story of We Bought a Zoo

Don't stop at just watching — explore We Bought a Zoo in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what We Bought a Zoo is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

We Bought a Zoo Summary

Read a complete plot summary of We Bought a Zoo, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

We Bought a Zoo Summary

We Bought a Zoo Timeline

Track the full timeline of We Bought a Zoo with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

We Bought a Zoo Timeline

We Bought a Zoo Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of We Bought a Zoo that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

We Bought a Zoo Spoiler-Free Summary

More About We Bought a Zoo

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about We Bought a Zoo: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About We Bought a Zoo

Explore More About Movie We Bought a Zoo

We Bought a Zoo (2011) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

We Bought a Zoo (2011) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

We Bought a Zoo (2011) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow