About Benjamin Mee

Benjamin Mee is an acclaimed writer, motivational keynote speaker, and Trustee of Dartmoor Zoological Society.

Benjamin’s Story

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.

book benjamin

Benjamin Mee is a celebrated writer, educator, motivational speaker, and the visionary behind the bestselling memoir “We Bought a Zoo.” His uplifting story, captured in the Cameron Crowe film starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson, has inspired audiences worldwide. Ben’s journey from journalist and Guardian columnist to owner and director of Dartmoor Zoo is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of believing in the impossible.

Born in Australia and raised in Surrey, Benjamin’s early years were marked by a restless curiosity and a turbulent relationship with conventional education. His fascination with animal intelligence was cemented after an encounter with a dolphin, which steered him towards psychology at UCL, followed by an MSc in Science Journalism at Imperial College London. Benjamin went on to contribute to major publications, including regular columns for Men’s Health and The Guardian, and produced a wealth of articles for outlets such as The Independent, The Telegraph, and The Daily Mail.

The pivotal moment in Benjamin’s life came when he and his extended family made the bold decision in 2006 to purchase a failing zoo in Devon, despite having no experience and only enough funds to last ten days. This leap of faith presented enormous challenges, from physically restoring animal enclosures to mastering the intricacies of animal care and business operations.

Compounding these difficulties was a profound personal tragedy: his wife Katherine was fighting a recurring brain tumour, a battle she sadly lost just as the zoo was preparing to open to the public. Against all expectations, Benjamin reopened Dartmoor Zoo in 2007.

Benjamin’s Story

His book, “We Bought a Zoo,” became an international bestseller, published in 23 countries and adapted into a hit film. The family’s triumphs, and struggles, also gripped the nation in a 4 part BBC documentary, Ben’s Zoo. Today, Dartmoor Zoo is a thriving charitable trust dedicated to conservation and education, continuing to grow under Benjamin’s stewardship.

Benjamin’s inspirational talks draw on his incredible life journey. Audiences, ranging from corporate executives to students, are captivated by his relaxed, informal, yet deeply moving style. He delivers powerful messages about resilience, leadership under pressure, overcoming adversity, and the lessons that nature and animals offer for personal and business success. His ability to weave humour, emotion, and practical advice ensures his keynotes leave a lasting impression on any audience.

Beyond the zoo, Benjamin’s influence is felt as an ambassador for Brain Tumour Research, a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ communications committee, and as someone who has been recognised by Plymouth University with an honorary doctorate for his contributions to science communication.

Benjamin continues to write, mentor, and shape the international conversation around conservation, animal behaviour, and sustainable business, making him one of the UK’s most experienced and engaging motivational speakers.

Speaker Kit

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.

Hollywood brought Benjamin’s remarkable story to the screen in We Bought a Zoo, directed by Cameron Crowe and starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson. The film captures the spirit of resilience, love, and daring to believe in a vision against all odds.

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Benjamin’s bestselling book We Bought a Zoo is more than a story about saving animals—it’s a deeply human journey of courage, loss, and hope. Published in over 20 countries, it continues to inspire readers to take bold steps when life calls for change.

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