Benjamin Mee
Benjamin Mee is now established as one of the UK’s most engaging motivational keynote speakers. His talks for corporate, educational, and public sector audiences are marked by genuine warmth, humour, and practical insight.
Motivational Speaker
Benjamin Mee is the renowned author of the international bestseller We Bought a Zoo whose extraordinary story inspired the Hollywood movie starring Matt Damon.
Formerly a journalist and columnist for The Guardian and Men’s Health, Benjamin’s journey took a dramatic turn when he and his family purchased the struggling Dartmoor Zoo in Devon.
With no experience in zoo keeping and facing immense personal hardship, including the loss of his wife Katherine to a brain tumour, Benjamin reopened the zoo against all odds, a feat captured in both his writing and the acclaimed film adaptation.
As a Trustee of Dartmoor Zoological Society, Benjamin’s commitment extends beyond animal care to championing conservation, education, and mental resilience.
Awarded an honorary science doctorate from Plymouth University, he is celebrated as an inspirational keynote speaker whose compelling talks resonate with audiences worldwide.
Benjamin is known for his candid, uplifting storytelling style, drawing practical business and leadership lessons from his life’s most challenging moments.
His keynotes on overcoming adversity, team building, and authentic leadership have left a lasting impact at major corporate events and conferences, confirming his place as one of the UK’s most engaging motivational speakers.
Speaker Show Reel
See Benjamin in action as he brings his story to life with warmth, humour, and practical insight. His talks explore resilience, leadership, and purpose, showing how even the most daunting challenges can be turned into opportunities for growth, connection, and positive change.
Benjamin Mee Speaker Kit
Looking to book Benjamin for your next event? The speaker kit provides everything you need: topics, bios, media images, and practical details. Whether for corporate audiences, education, or public events, Benjamin delivers tailored talks that leave a lasting impact.
We Bought A Zoo
Benjamin Mee is the renowned author of the international bestseller "We Bought a Zoo" whose extraordinary story inspired the Hollywood movie starring Matt Damon.
Tedx
Booking Enquiries
Benjamin Mee has a wonderfully unique story to tell. An uplifting and inspiring story that resonates with everyone; the need to carry on despite adversity, to persevere against the odds, and to create a home for one’s family. Combined with Ben’s unwavering resolve and clear focus the learning that he weaves into his fascinating anecdotes of wolves and “big cats” can be readily applied to the corporate world of today. Ben is a charismatic and compelling storyteller and a genuine pleasure to listen to.
Benjamin was a fantastic speaker – utterly compelling and totally engaging with a story that was inspiring, humbling, humorous and tear-jerking all at the same time. I think we all now want to buy a zoo or to live on his!
Benjamin was truly inspirational, a story told from the heart and very different to the usual motivational speakers. It was the first time I have seen delegates queue to shake a speaker’s hand.
