Benjamin Mee

Benjamin Mee is an acclaimed writer, motivational keynote speaker, and Trustee of Dartmoor Zoological Society, whose extraordinary life story has inspired audiences from boardrooms to classrooms and beyond. As the bestselling author of “We Bought a Zoo”, later adapted into the acclaimed Hollywood film starring Matt Damon, Benjamin has become a symbol of resilience, visionary leadership, and the life-changing magic of following an unconventional path.

Early Life and Influences

Born during a bush fire in Australia and raised in rural Surrey, Benjamin’s path was never conventional. His early life was characterised by curiosity and a streak of rebellion, he clashed with the structure of the British education system and was expelled from school, yet his intellectual curiosity endured. Inspired by a chance encounter with a dolphin, Benjamin rekindled his childhood passion for animal intelligence and the natural world. He went on to study psychology at University College London, then completed a Master’s in Science Journalism at Imperial College London, laying the groundwork for a career marked by storytelling, research, and a commitment to knowledge.

As a journalist, Benjamin became contributing editor at Men’s Health and wrote a celebrated column for The Guardian, alongside numerous articles for other major outlets such as The Independent. His work consistently explored the intersections of science, humour, and what it means to be human and animal.

The Zoo: A Leap Into the Unknown

In 2006, following personal upheaval, Benjamin, his wife Katherine, their children, and extended family took a life altering leap of faith, purchasing the dilapidated Dartmoor Zoological Park. The family had little money and no background in animal care, but they were determined to save the zoo and its hundreds of animals from closure.

The challenges were immense. On the ground, Benjamin faced everything from repairing fences and managing complex animal personalities to securing funds to keep the zoo running. Behind the scenes, his wife Katherine was battling a brain tumour. Despite exhaustive medical treatments, Katherine passed away weeks before the zoo’s reopening, a loss that profoundly shaped Benjamin’s personal and professional journey.

Triumphs and International Recognition

The reopening of Dartmoor Zoo in 2007 was, in many ways, a triumph of resilience and community spirit. Benjamin’s story quickly drew national attention and was featured in a four-part BBC documentary, “Ben’s Zoo.” It captured the trials, heartbreak, and sheer determination of a family facing adversity.

Benjamin’s book, “We Bought a Zoo,” became an instant bestseller, published in over 20 countries and picked up for film adaptation by director Cameron Crowe. The movie’s success shone a global spotlight on Benjamin’s story, one defined not just by overcoming adversity, but by forging hope from crisis and demonstrating the power of purpose-driven leadership. Benjamin and Dartmoor Zoo have also been featured in numerous BBC and other broadcast documentaries charting their transformation.

Leadership and Conservation

Today, as a Trustee of Dartmoor Zoological Society, Benjamin continues to lead efforts in animal welfare, conservation, and education. His advocacy is not just about preserving rare species, it’s about fostering a sense of wonder and responsibility in every visitor. Under his stewardship, the zoo has launched innovative community projects, and promotes the mental and emotional wellbeing that comes from meaningful connection with animals and nature.

Honours and Further Work

Benjamin has received wide recognition for his contributions, including an honorary doctorate from Plymouth University and awards for science communication. His story continues to influence thinking about leadership, wellbeing, and the value of ambitious projects that unite passion with purpose.

He is an ambassador for Brain Tumour Research, drawing on personal experience to support others facing extraordinary challenges, more an advocate for SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) education.

Speaking Style and Audience Impact

As a keynote speaker, Benjamin Mee is known for his authenticity, warmth, and wit. His talks are tailored to each audience, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, educators, or young people. He delivers practical lessons on leadership, team building, innovation, and resilience, always illustrated with engaging stories drawn from lived experience, animal behaviour, zookeeping and business transformation.

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. He addresses themes including:

• Resilience in the face of personal and professional adversity
• Authentic leadership and decision-making under pressure
• Building teams when everything feels uncertain
• Learning from animal behaviour (and mistakes) in business and life
• Reinventing oneself, and organisations, in challenging times

Attendees leave Benjamin’s sessions with renewed conviction that adversity can be overcome with courage, creativity, and determination. Corporate audiences, in particular, value his real-world insights into navigating change, inspiring teams, and finding purpose in times of uncertainty.

Legacy and Ongoing Projects

Benjamin’s ongoing leadership at Dartmoor Zoo provides a unique vantage point into how nature, animals, and community engagement nurture resilience and recovery, an experience particularly relevant to today’s workplace, where wellbeing and adaptability are crucial.

Benjamin Mee’s life is a powerful demonstration that radical change, though daunting, is possible, and that hope, even in the face of loss, can be a transformative force. His ability to connect with audiences through storytelling, leadership, and passion for nature ensures his legacy endures far beyond the zoo gates.

New Book

Over the past few years, Benjamin has channelled his curiosity and research skills into a new project: the forthcoming book “Hominid.”

In recent years, Benjamin has concentrated on researching and writing his forthcoming book, “Hominid”. This work explores the intersection of diet, health, wellbeing, and our evolutionary roots, proposing fresh perspectives on how to thrive in the modern world. Drawing on both scientific research and lived experience, “Hominid” promises to challenge assumptions and offer practical insights for building physical and mental health, while maintaining his signature blend of hard-won insight and storytelling.

Sustainability, Climate Change, and Natural Capital

Sustainability, climate change, and the stewardship of natural capital are central themes in Benjamin Mee’s keynote presentations. Drawing on his experience as Trustee and former Director of Dartmoor Zoo, Benjamin demonstrates how forward-thinking conservation and responsible management of natural assets underpin the zoo’s transformation into a thriving charitable trust. He shares the real challenges and opportunities associated with protecting endangered species, restoring habitats, and embedding true sustainability at every level of business and community life.

Benjamin’s talks encourage organisations to see climate change not just as a risk, but as a catalyst for innovation and responsible leadership. He addresses the importance of recognising and investing in our natural capital, earth’s land, water, biodiversity, and ecosystems, which underpins long-term resilience and value creation for both organisations and society. Whether discussing nature-based solutions or the impact of climate and environmental change on well-being and future growth, Benjamin’s practical insights help audiences understand why and how a commitment to sustainability and climate responsibility is vital for modern businesses, teams, and communities aiming to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Media Coverage and Speaking Events

Benjamin Mee’s remarkable story has captured extensive press attention, with major features in The Guardian, The Independent, The Telegraph, BBC News, the Daily Mail, Daily Express, Devon Live, and Plymouth Live, among many others. His journey from journalist to zoo owner, chronicled in best-selling books and brought to life in the Hollywood film “We Bought a Zoo”, has made headlines internationally, highlighting themes of leadership, resilience, health, and community.

In addition to widespread media coverage, Benjamin has delivered motivational keynote talks to blue-chip companies including Google and Capita, as well as leading executives throughout the banking sector and global corporate audiences. His work continues to inspire not only through interviews, articles, and documentaries, but also through acclaimed platforms such as Plymouth University and at national conferences, affirming his reputation as one of the UK’s most engaging speakers.

“ 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.”
Deputy CEO – Capita plc

“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!”
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