Benjamin Mee
We Bought a Zoo Author & 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.
After starting a career as a bricklayer and decorator, Benjamin began to study and write about animal intelligence, studying psychology at UCL and then completing an MSc in Science Journalism at Imperial College. He then became a contributing editor to Men’s Health magazine and a Guardian columnist.
After moving to Southern France he began writing a book on the Evolution of Humour in Man and Animals.
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 zookeeping 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 Zoo, 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.
SPEAKING TOPICS
Benjamin’s speeches are known across the world. With a variety of inspiring and uplifting themes, Benjamin is an enthusiastic, committed and passionate speaker. Some of the topics he focuses on include –
• Overcoming obstacles
• Teambuilding
• Achieving goals
• Inspirational keynotes on the theme of leadership and change
“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."
— Andy Parker, Deputy CEO, Capita PLC
"Please pass on my sincere thanks to Ben for speaking yesterday. He was honestly the best speaker of the day, and everyone really enjoyed his inspirational and exceptional story."
— Kirsten Sculley - Courses and Conferences Marketing Executive, R3
"I don’t normally come to R3 conferences to enjoy myself however I really enjoyed myself thoroughly due to Benjamin Mee."
"He was mesmerising and inspiring."
"Hugely interesting, emotionally engaging and a great insight into the challenges / pressures directors face when their business is struggling."
"I think he should have presented in the last session of the day- he left the audience feeling really energised and was a difficult act to follow!"
— Conference feedback, R3 - Association of Business Recovery Professionals
"We were delighted when Ben was available to be our key guest speaker at our National Operations Conference in Crewe - November 2010. Ben immediately captured the 120 delegates with his sincere and engaging personality; the conference room was filled with a range of reactions from complete silence as they listened intently to minute's later raptures of laughter. Ben weighted his talk exactly right for the audience, and the feedback forms post conference were all indicating that he was one of the highlights. Ben kindly stayed after his presentation and signed copies of his book which again was a lovely touch - we would definitely love to work with Ben again in the future and would recommend him highly."
— Tanya Vigus, Head of Operations, Cats Protection
