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We Bought a Zoo
- The Amazing True Story of a Broken-Down Zoo, and the 200 Animals That Changed a Family Forever
- Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
- Length: 8 hrs and 13 mins
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We Bought a Zoo
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Summary
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.
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.”
What listeners say about We Bought a Zoo
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 18-11-21
bloody brilliant
without a doubt the best book I think I've ever read sad happy and just a wonderful story and a wonderful true story fantastic for anybody who loves animals or just loves a laugh
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Dean
- 30-10-21
Good story but poor choice of narrator
the story itself is fascinating and well written. however the narrator (though very articulate) was so dry and matter of fact he was completely devoid of emotion. chapters talking about his dying wife were told in the same manner as the funny chapters. really bizarre.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Vicky
- 07-02-15
Fab
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!)
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Digirati
- 13-07-24
Moving and witty … a must read!
Moving, detailed, very well written. Behind the scenes fascinating and factual links to We Bought a Zoo entertaining. Strongly Recommended!
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
- Patricia
- 29-03-12
Good story, pity about the reader.
I enjoyed the book, but, found that the delivery of the narrator (who had meticulous diction) sometimes was without expression. Some of the sad parts of the story were read in the same tone as some funny incidents. Only occasionally was there a glimmer of humour. Sorry but it spoilt the enjoyment of the book.
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- KCS.Hall
- 26-11-23
Really lovely story
Highly enjoyed this book. I came to it after having seen the film numerous times and thought it was about time I got the book too. Obviously Hollywood made some radical changes to the storyline so don’t expect it to be exactly the same if you’ve seen the film first like me.
When I saw who was narrating the book, I was actually pleasantly surprised as I have enjoyed him narrating other books. Yes, his expression is maybe drier than people expect but I feel he’s getting a lot of flack for not a great reason. There are some parts of the book that really suit the dryness! I recommend listening at a speed of 1.15 if you’re struggling with Gildart’s narration. To me it seems that 1x is his voice slowed down so it sounds much more natural at a slightly quicker pace.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- MRS K
- 12-06-21
Huge thank you to Benjamin
Wonderfully written account of events shared with a dry humour that compelled me to keep listening to the end with only a few breaks. Narrator's delivery was so honest that I could imagine it was his story he was narrating.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mr. R. Butler
- 19-06-16
An amazing book
Such a wonderful story of the epic highs and the heart breaking lows. A wonderful underdog story of the man who everyone telling him he couldn't do it but he did. I loved the film of the same name but apart from a few similarities it is a completely different story. Which although that story was so well told it's a shame it couldn't have been the actual story as it is equally if not more exciting. Very disappointed to have finished listening to this would have been happy if it had gone on a lot longer. Felt a bit of sadness as I saw "11 minutes left"
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- M. A. Tytel
- 09-02-20
Beautiful and inspiring story
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
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Helen Jeffs
- 09-03-15
really funny
An excellent book which I found myself laughing like I haven't for a long time!
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