Benjamin Mee
Inspirational & Motivational Speaker
Media
On this page you can see a sample of Benjamin's appearences within the media.
Zoo keeping for beginners
An adventurous journalist, Simon Usborne, decided to take part in the Keeper for A Day experience with his girlfriend Jess...
Benjamin Mee...speaks openly about his late wife's battle with a brain tumour
He spoke to coincide with the launch of a ground-breaking new collaborative partnership between the charity Brain Tumour Research and Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry.
Anger, frustration and tears
Anger, frustration and tears: Benjamin Mee speaks about the love he lost to brain cancer
Hollywood star Stefanie visits Dartmoor Zoo
Hollywood star Stefanie Powers visits Dartmoor Zoo to discuss her interest in conservation with owner Benjamin Mee.
The Devon zoo that inspired a Hollywood movie.
Benjamin Mee, who opened a zoo on Dartmoor, says it would have gone bust without film starring Matt Damon.
We Bought A Zoo - the true story behind the film
The story of Benjamin Mee, a British writer who rescued a failing zoo while coming to terms with life as a widower and single father, has been made into a Hollywood film starring Matt Damon.
"Matt Damon actually wanted to be me!"
How the tale of a man who rescued a run-down zoo has been turned into a Hollywood movie. "It's good news. Matt Damon has agreed to play you. Got to go. Bye."
Dartmoor Zoo gets Hollywood's animal magic
'We Bought A Zoo', the striking memoir of life as a bereaved single father in charge of lions, tigers and bears, is now a major film. Benjamin talks about the issues surrounding his portrayal within the film.
We bought a zoo...and it saved our family
It began as an ordinary autumn day...at Dartmoor Zoo...when his mobile rang. It was Hollywood calling to tell him that movie-making giant 20th Century Fox was buying the rights to his bestselling memoir.
Daddy bought us a zoo!
How the tale of a family overcoming tragedy by rescuing a run-down zoo became a major Hollywood movie. Benjamin recounts some of the ups and downs in the run up to the film being released.
Zoo owner's nerves at film premiere
Dartmoor zoo owner has admitted to some last minute nerves as Hollywood prepares to premiere a movie based on his memoir.
Zoo Story
How Hollywood movie bosses were inspired by the man who bought a failing zoo, saved the animals from certain death, then saw his wife lose her fight with cancer.
Film in 3D brings animal magic to children's wards
Zoo keepers brought lions and tigers into Derriford Hospital's children's wards – thanks to a special 3D movie...which featured some of the big cats feeding, including the lions, tigers and the jaguar, as well as meerkats, tarantulas and creepy crawlies.
'We Bought A Zoo' is referenced in 'The Simpsons'!
Benjamin's book and the film "We Bought A Zoo" is referenced in episode 5 of Season 25 of The Simpsons - "Labor Pains". Homer takes the kids to the zoo, and helps a lady give birth.
Good Morning Devon
This short interview is in response to the news today that MPs are calling for urgent action to determine how many primates are being kept as pets across the UK. The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) committee says they are worried about the welfare of animals being kept privately. You can hear the full programme here with reports at 53 minutes and 1 hour 46 minutes.
The Peoples Voice - The Richie Allen Show
Should we have zoos? - In the wake of the Marius the Giraffe situation, Benjamin discusses with Mimi Bekhechi of P.E.T.A. what the place of zoos is in the 21st century and their importance in the place of conservation.
Benjamin Mee receives an honorary doctorate from Plymouth University
Benjamin Mee, a passionate educator, received an Honorary Doctorate of Science on Friday 20th September 2013 in recognition of his work and interest in the communication of science.
Benjamin Mee on 'Why I never gave up'
This is an excerpt from the TV series "Principles of Business". Other guests include Producer Lord David Puttnam, British inventor Trevor Baylis, entrepreneur Levi Roots, and more.
Interview promoting 'We Bought A Zoo' film and book for Video Ezy in Australia
Benjamin talks about how he and his family ended up buying a zoo, and what happened next!
We Bought A Zoo podcast
Benjamin Mee, a former bricklayer and decorator, returned to education in his early twenties in order to investigate animal intelligence. While he lived in France and was writing a book on "Evolution of Humour in Man and Animals", the Dartmoor Zoological Park came up for sale. Ben currently divides his time between running the busy zoo and raising his two children, Ella and Milo.
The real life story behind Hollywood film 'We Bought A Zoo'
Benjamin Mee had no idea that writing a book about his life and struggles with his Devon zoo would lead to a Hollywood movie being created.
The story of Dartmoor Zoo gets a Hollywood look
When a brochure was dropped through the Mee family's letterbox, advertising a 30-acre zoo for sale, they found it very difficult to turn down. Now, the story is being turned into a movie, starring Matt Damon.
Plymouth family's story becomes Hollywood film
A film inspired by Dartmoor Zoo is released in cinemas today. 'We Bought A Zoo' stars Matt Damon and is based on the story of Benjamin Mee who tried to turn the fortunes of the Zoo around when he bought it as part of his family's dream home.
Single mums v single dads
As the Office of National Statistics reveals the number of single parent families in the UK tipping two million for the first time why does a single dad invariably still attract greater social sympathy than single mum? Jenni is joined by Benjamin Mee.
Sunday Night
Australian TV programme "Sunday Night" interviews Benjamin Mee and Matt Damon.
Can Hollywood help Devon's Dartmoor Zoo survive?
As the film was being made every day was a battle to keep the zoo open, as it had been every day since buying it. The BBC asks what the film will mean to the Mee family, and to the Zoo itself.
University Launches Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence Campaign
It is a condition that kills more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer; its mortality rate within a year of diagnosis is an appalling 55%...And yet it receives just 1% of national spending on cancer research.
Appy Snaps
Some instagram pics from Benjamin feature in this issue.
Animal Magician
He's the man whose tail was tuned into a Hollywood movie but that's just the first installment of an amazing story.
Lions, tigers, my kids...Oh My!
Benjamin is interviewed by iSingleParent.
Managing the Menagerie
6 years after buying the zoo what are the future ambitions for it?
Interview: The real life Benjamin Mee
We chat to the real-life Mee about raising a young family among wild animals
Help! I bought a zoo
This man and his family gave it all up to buy a dilapidated zoo.
My Space - Benjamin Mee
We tour Dartmoor Zoo as the owner reveals how he brought it back to life.
Moor Links
A local magazine interviews Benjamin about the upcoming film
The new-look zoo - Dartmoor Zoological Park
The unexpected first animal encounter of Jean Rose.
When Dolphins Laugh
Benjamin conducted a talk at TEDx Totnes outlining his theory of humour as an indicator of animal intelligence and therefore their capacity for suffering. The research aims to have impacts on the perceptions of animal intelligence and subsequently welfare.
How to buy a zoo with Benjamin Mee
Benjamin gets interviewed by Derrick from Purpose Rockstar. This is a website that aims to help you get "unstuck" and find your perfect career. Click for a link to listen to the podcast and read the interview.
Cinderella cancers and the search for funding
'I wish I had breast cancer'. Stark words from Pancreatic Cancer Action to draw attention to the disease, its devastating effect and lack of funding.
The official website for everything Cameron Crowe
We thought it would be fun to look back on We Bought A Zoo through the eyes of Benjamin Mee. Ben provided some answers on how the film came together from his perspective.
Universities named centre of excellence for brain tumours
Three Universities, including Plymouth University, were announced at a Parliamentary event, attended by Benjamin Mee, as centres of excellence for their research into brain tumours.
Matt Austen Images
Have a look at the images taken of Benjamin and some of the animals at the Zoo by the fantastic photographer Matt Austen for an edition of Devon Life magazine.
Exclusive interview with Benjamin Mee
Benjamin Mee turned his life upside down back in 2006 when he left his journalism career behind and bought and then opened a zoo.
The real story of the family who bought a zoo
An interview for an Australian website with Benjamin Mee.
He Bought A Zoo
Interview with The Telegraph in Australia. Featured on an Australian website.
Mee family at New York Premier
Mr Mee said he had been nervous before watching the film because "it's so very deeply personal". "Every so often they'd say 'so Mr Mee' and Matt Damon would look up and answer to that name...it was very strange."
Break-out zoo is being re-opened
Read about the final run-up to the zoo's grand re-opening in the face of so much adversity. The new focus for the zoo is on how important zoos are in conservation, research and the future of animals.
Animais que podem vir a ser estrelas de cinema
Benjamin undertook an interview for Portuguese radio station, Altitude, on his visit to the country as part of the Iberian Wolf conservation programme that he is involved in.
Croissant
Ben is interviewed for Japanese magazine - "Croissant"
La mia vita e uno zoo
An Italian magazine covers the story of the zoo "My Life and a Zoo".
The true story of Benjamin Mee
Bavarian Television website interviews Benjamin Mee, his children, and some of the staff including Zoo Curator Colin about what it is like to be a part of Dartmoor Zoo.
Må vi låne et giftpilgevær? - "May we borrow a dart gun?"
Danish paper Jyllands-Posten writes an article on Benjamin and "We Bought a Zoo". Movies: Benjamin Mees decision to buy a zoo has become a success story in book form and on film.
Humor
In an interview for German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung, Benjamin discusses humour in animals.
"Someone had to buy this zoo"
Article entitled "Someone had to buy this zoo" - in this German daily newspaper.
"Wo der Löwe durchs Moor brüllt" - "Where the lion roars through the moor"
Benjamin Mee has bought a zoo in England. Now the adventure has been filmed. Matt Damon takes over in "We Bought a Zoo" the role of the daring Mee.
"Tiger im vorgarten"
Article entitled "Tiger im vorgarten" - "Tiger in your front yard" in this German magazine for children.
"Tiger therapie"
Article entitled "Tiger therapie" - "Tiger Therapy" in this German news and culture magazine.
'Nouveau Départ': son zoo a inspiré Matt Damon
Cameron Crowe's film, "New Start" with Matt Damon, tells the story of Benjamin Mee, a father who has left everything behind to buy a zoo.
Le zoo sauvé par Hollywood
French paper "Le Journal du Dimanche" does a piece about the film - "We Bought a Zoo", entitled "Zoo Saved by Hollywood".
Z rodzin? w?ród zwierz?t - Family of Animals
Interview with Benjamin Mee for Polish publication 'Polityka' about buying a zoo and the new book about the experience.
"Un Rêve, Un Zoo, Un Film"
Article entitled "Un Rêve, Un Zoo, Un Film" - "A Dream, A Zoo, A Film"
Zoo keeping for beginners
An adventurous journalist, Simon Usborne, decided to take part in the Keeper for A Day experience with his girlfriend Jess...
Benjamin Mee...speaks openly about his late wife's battle with a brain tumour
He spoke to coincide with the launch of a ground-breaking new collaborative partnership between the charity Brain Tumour Research and Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry.
Anger, frustration and tears
Anger, frustration and tears: Benjamin Mee speaks about the love he lost to brain cancer
Hollywood star Stefanie visits Dartmoor Zoo
Hollywood star Stefanie Powers visits Dartmoor Zoo to discuss her interest in conservation with owner Benjamin Mee.
The Devon zoo that inspired a Hollywood movie.
Benjamin Mee, who opened a zoo on Dartmoor, says it would have gone bust without film starring Matt Damon.
We Bought A Zoo - the true story behind the film
The story of Benjamin Mee, a British writer who rescued a failing zoo while coming to terms with life as a widower and single father, has been made into a Hollywood film starring Matt Damon.
"Matt Damon actually wanted to be me!"
How the tale of a man who rescued a run-down zoo has been turned into a Hollywood movie. "It's good news. Matt Damon has agreed to play you. Got to go. Bye."
Dartmoor Zoo gets Hollywood's animal magic
'We Bought A Zoo', the striking memoir of life as a bereaved single father in charge of lions, tigers and bears, is now a major film. Benjamin talks about the issues surrounding his portrayal within the film.
We bought a zoo...and it saved our family
It began as an ordinary autumn day...at Dartmoor Zoo...when his mobile rang. It was Hollywood calling to tell him that movie-making giant 20th Century Fox was buying the rights to his bestselling memoir.
Daddy bought us a zoo!
How the tale of a family overcoming tragedy by rescuing a run-down zoo became a major Hollywood movie. Benjamin recounts some of the ups and downs in the run up to the film being released.
Zoo owner's nerves at film premiere
Dartmoor zoo owner has admitted to some last minute nerves as Hollywood prepares to premiere a movie based on his memoir.
Zoo Story
How Hollywood movie bosses were inspired by the man who bought a failing zoo, saved the animals from certain death, then saw his wife lose her fight with cancer.
Film in 3D brings animal magic to children's wards
Zoo keepers brought lions and tigers into Derriford Hospital's children's wards – thanks to a special 3D movie...which featured some of the big cats feeding, including the lions, tigers and the jaguar, as well as meerkats, tarantulas and creepy crawlies.
'We Bought A Zoo' is referenced in 'The Simpsons'!
Benjamin's book and the film "We Bought A Zoo" is referenced in episode 5 of Season 25 of The Simpsons - "Labor Pains". Homer takes the kids to the zoo, and helps a lady give birth.
Good Morning Devon
This short interview is in response to the news today that MPs are calling for urgent action to determine how many primates are being kept as pets across the UK. The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) committee says they are worried about the welfare of animals being kept privately. You can hear the full programme here with reports at 53 minutes and 1 hour 46 minutes.
The Peoples Voice - The Richie Allen Show
Should we have zoos? - In the wake of the Marius the Giraffe situation, Benjamin discusses with Mimi Bekhechi of P.E.T.A. what the place of zoos is in the 21st century and their importance in the place of conservation.
Benjamin Mee receives an honorary doctorate from Plymouth University
Benjamin Mee, a passionate educator, received an Honorary Doctorate of Science on Friday 20th September 2013 in recognition of his work and interest in the communication of science.
Benjamin Mee on 'Why I never gave up'
This is an excerpt from the TV series "Principles of Business". Other guests include Producer Lord David Puttnam, British inventor Trevor Baylis, entrepreneur Levi Roots, and more.
Interview promoting 'We Bought A Zoo' film and book for Video Ezy in Australia
Benjamin talks about how he and his family ended up buying a zoo, and what happened next!
We Bought A Zoo podcast
Benjamin Mee, a former bricklayer and decorator, returned to education in his early twenties in order to investigate animal intelligence. While he lived in France and was writing a book on "Evolution of Humour in Man and Animals", the Dartmoor Zoological Park came up for sale. Ben currently divides his time between running the busy zoo and raising his two children, Ella and Milo.
The real life story behind Hollywood film 'We Bought A Zoo'
Benjamin Mee had no idea that writing a book about his life and struggles with his Devon zoo would lead to a Hollywood movie being created.
The story of Dartmoor Zoo gets a Hollywood look
When a brochure was dropped through the Mee family's letterbox, advertising a 30-acre zoo for sale, they found it very difficult to turn down. Now, the story is being turned into a movie, starring Matt Damon.
Plymouth family's story becomes Hollywood film
A film inspired by Dartmoor Zoo is released in cinemas today. 'We Bought A Zoo' stars Matt Damon and is based on the story of Benjamin Mee who tried to turn the fortunes of the Zoo around when he bought it as part of his family's dream home.
Single mums v single dads
As the Office of National Statistics reveals the number of single parent families in the UK tipping two million for the first time why does a single dad invariably still attract greater social sympathy than single mum? Jenni is joined by Benjamin Mee.
Sunday Night
Australian TV programme "Sunday Night" interviews Benjamin Mee and Matt Damon.
Can Hollywood help Devon's Dartmoor Zoo survive?
As the film was being made every day was a battle to keep the zoo open, as it had been every day since buying it. The BBC asks what the film will mean to the Mee family, and to the Zoo itself.
University Launches Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence Campaign
It is a condition that kills more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer; its mortality rate within a year of diagnosis is an appalling 55%...And yet it receives just 1% of national spending on cancer research.
Appy Snaps
Some instagram pics from Benjamin feature in this issue.
Animal Magician
He's the man whose tail was tuned into a Hollywood movie but that's just the first installment of an amazing story.
Lions, tigers, my kids...Oh My!
Benjamin is interviewed by iSingleParent.
Managing the Menagerie
6 years after buying the zoo what are the future ambitions for it?
Interview: The real life Benjamin Mee
We chat to the real-life Mee about raising a young family among wild animals
Help! I bought a zoo
This man and his family gave it all up to buy a dilapidated zoo.
My Space - Benjamin Mee
We tour Dartmoor Zoo as the owner reveals how he brought it back to life.
Moor Links
A local magazine interviews Benjamin about the upcoming film
The new-look zoo - Dartmoor Zoological Park
The unexpected first animal encounter of Jean Rose.
When Dolphins Laugh
Benjamin conducted a talk at TEDx Totnes outlining his theory of humour as an indicator of animal intelligence and therefore their capacity for suffering. The research aims to have impacts on the perceptions of animal intelligence and subsequently welfare.
How to buy a zoo with Benjamin Mee
Benjamin gets interviewed by Derrick from Purpose Rockstar. This is a website that aims to help you get "unstuck" and find your perfect career. Click for a link to listen to the podcast and read the interview.
Cinderella cancers and the search for funding
'I wish I had breast cancer'. Stark words from Pancreatic Cancer Action to draw attention to the disease, its devastating effect and lack of funding.
The official website for everything Cameron Crowe
We thought it would be fun to look back on We Bought A Zoo through the eyes of Benjamin Mee. Ben provided some answers on how the film came together from his perspective.
Universities named centre of excellence for brain tumours
Three Universities, including Plymouth University, were announced at a Parliamentary event, attended by Benjamin Mee, as centres of excellence for their research into brain tumours.
Matt Austen Images
Have a look at the images taken of Benjamin and some of the animals at the Zoo by the fantastic photographer Matt Austen for an edition of Devon Life magazine.
Exclusive interview with Benjamin Mee
Benjamin Mee turned his life upside down back in 2006 when he left his journalism career behind and bought and then opened a zoo.
The real story of the family who bought a zoo
An interview for an Australian website with Benjamin Mee.
He Bought A Zoo
Interview with The Telegraph in Australia. Featured on an Australian website.
Mee family at New York Premier
Mr Mee said he had been nervous before watching the film because "it's so very deeply personal". "Every so often they'd say 'so Mr Mee' and Matt Damon would look up and answer to that name...it was very strange."
Break-out zoo is being re-opened
Read about the final run-up to the zoo's grand re-opening in the face of so much adversity. The new focus for the zoo is on how important zoos are in conservation, research and the future of animals.
Animais que podem vir a ser estrelas de cinema
Benjamin undertook an interview for Portuguese radio station, Altitude, on his visit to the country as part of the Iberian Wolf conservation programme that he is involved in.
Croissant
Ben is interviewed for Japanese magazine - "Croissant"
La mia vita e uno zoo
An Italian magazine covers the story of the zoo "My Life and a Zoo".
The true story of Benjamin Mee
Bavarian Television website interviews Benjamin Mee, his children, and some of the staff including Zoo Curator Colin about what it is like to be a part of Dartmoor Zoo.
Må vi låne et giftpilgevær? - "May we borrow a dart gun?"
Danish paper Jyllands-Posten writes an article on Benjamin and "We Bought a Zoo". Movies: Benjamin Mees decision to buy a zoo has become a success story in book form and on film.
Humor
In an interview for German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung, Benjamin discusses humour in animals.
"Someone had to buy this zoo"
Article entitled "Someone had to buy this zoo" - in this German daily newspaper.
"Wo der Löwe durchs Moor brüllt" - "Where the lion roars through the moor"
Benjamin Mee has bought a zoo in England. Now the adventure has been filmed. Matt Damon takes over in "We Bought a Zoo" the role of the daring Mee.
"Tiger im vorgarten"
Article entitled "Tiger im vorgarten" - "Tiger in your front yard" in this German magazine for children.
"Tiger therapie"
Article entitled "Tiger therapie" - "Tiger Therapy" in this German news and culture magazine.
'Nouveau Départ': son zoo a inspiré Matt Damon
Cameron Crowe's film, "New Start" with Matt Damon, tells the story of Benjamin Mee, a father who has left everything behind to buy a zoo.
Le zoo sauvé par Hollywood
French paper "Le Journal du Dimanche" does a piece about the film - "We Bought a Zoo", entitled "Zoo Saved by Hollywood".
Z rodzin? w?ród zwierz?t - Family of Animals
Interview with Benjamin Mee for Polish publication 'Polityka' about buying a zoo and the new book about the experience.
"Un Rêve, Un Zoo, Un Film"
Article entitled "Un Rêve, Un Zoo, Un Film" - "A Dream, A Zoo, A Film"