Dickens & Rumi
Cover of We Bought a Zoo

film

We Bought a Zoo

2011

Benjamin has lost his wife and, in a bid to start his life over, purchases a large house that has a zoo – welcome news for his daughter, but his son is not happy about it. The zoo is in need of renovation and Benjamin sets about the work with the head keeper and the rest of the staff, but, the zoo soon runs into financial trouble.

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? The PG film includes a parent's death, grief, family conflict, animal illness, financial stress, and emotional discussions, but little violence or sexual content. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Romance2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Good role models4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental branding common in modern film production, but not marketing-driven.

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Benjamin's wife died before the story begins; her death and the family's continuing grief are central emotional themes.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild language, limited to occasional mild insults or frustration.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

A young teen crush and an adult relationship develop alongside the family story, ending with a kiss.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Brief moments of tension regarding the zoo animals and a storm, but not designed to frighten.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Social drinking by adults is occasionally present but not emphasized.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Includes minor tension involving a sick tiger and general scuffles, but no combat or aggressive violence.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters face bereavement, financial danger, difficult work, and emotional vulnerability with persistence and honest communication.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Restoring an unusual zoo, solving practical obstacles, and using imagination to create a fresh family life strongly encourage inventive problem-solving.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse ensemble cast of zookeepers.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Provides incidental insight into zoo management and animal conservation.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Staff cooperate, care for animals, support visitors, and repair strained relationships; empathy and teamwork are central.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The film supports family communication, accepting grief, perseverance, responsible risk-taking, compassion, and rebuilding after loss.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Adults and children show courage, accountability, teamwork, and care, although some decisions are impulsive and family conflicts are significant.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in We Bought a Zoo would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in We Bought a Zoo, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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