Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Zookeeper

film

Zookeeper

2011

Kindhearted Griffin Keyes is one of the best-loved caretakers at the Franklin Park Zoo, but he's more comfortable with the animals than with females of his own species as proven by his failed marriage proposal to the self-absorbed Stephanie several years ago. The animals have listened to Griffin pine over her for years and, after she reappears in his life, they decide to help Griffin rekindle the relationship and become the alpha male she wants him to be. They inadvertently reveal their secret ability to talk and, after Griffin's initial shock, teach him the rules of courtship, animal-style. Surprisingly, the animals' advice really works and Griffin is about to get everything he's ever dreamed of--or is he?

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? PG comedy with slapstick peril, a character being beaten, animal-related danger, romantic conflict, and mild mating humor. Younger children may need help with the relationship themes and emotional conflict. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Romance3/5
  • Violence3/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5

Strongest positives

  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising2/5
Why this rating?

A car dealership and selling cars are significant plot elements, though the film is not primarily an advertising vehicle.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Some minor physical injury is implied when a character is seen being mistreated by a villain, but it is not graphic.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Features mild insults and infrequent coarse language typical of a PG comedy.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Romance is central: proposals, breakups, dating, jealousy, romantic rivalry, and a final loving relationship drive the story.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

A few scenes involve tense moments with wild animals or threatening humans, but nothing intense.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Animal mating rituals and courtship jokes are recurring comedic topics; explicit sexual activity or nudity is not indicated.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Social drinking occurs in party or restaurant settings, but it is not a focus.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Slapstick and physical confrontations include animal danger, a cycling showdown, a kick into a wall, and a gorilla being beaten by an abusive caretaker.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Griffin faces embarrassment, relationship pressure, and danger, and ultimately stands up to an abusive person and chooses an authentic life.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Talking animals, imaginative animal courtship lessons, and inventive attempts to help Griffin make creativity central to the comedy.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a moderately diverse cast, though roles generally adhere to standard archetypes.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Includes incidental focus on animal care and habitat enrichment.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Care for animals, friendship, empathy for Bernie, and advocacy against abuse are major elements of the story.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The story supports authenticity, accepting people as they are, empathy toward animals, loyalty, and rejecting relationships based on conditional approval.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Griffin is caring and ultimately accountable, though he initially pursues approval and makes poor choices. Kate and Griffin show loyalty and compassion.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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

  1. Where did a character show kindness or empathy, and what changed because of it?
  2. How did relationships or romance affect the characters’ choices?
  3. Which choice in Zookeeper would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Zookeeper, 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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