Benjamin Mee is best known as the former owner & current trustee of Dartmoor Zoo, with a bestselling book and subsequent Hollywood film. Through immense personal hardships, the challenges of running a business, and the unruliness of wild animals, Benjamin is now a recognised motivational speaker discussing the importance of resilience, leadership under pressure, and sustainability.
After achieving a degree in psychology from UCL, followed by an MSc in Science Journalism from Imperial College London, Benjamin spent time as a journalist and columnist for The Guardian, Men’s Health and Grand Designs Magazine. He also wrote for The Independent, The Telegraph and The Daily Mail. In 2006, Benjamin and his family purchased Dartmoor Zoo in Devon, which had been opened in the 60s but had fallen into disrepair. Against all odds, the Mee family reopened the zoo in 2007. Despite the loss of Benjamin’s wife at the end of 2007, the zoo remained open. In 2015, after launching the Education and Research Department, Benjamin donated the zoo to the Dartmoor Zoological Society, where he now serves as a Trustee.
He details his story in the internationally bestselling book ‘We Bought a Zoo’, the 4-part BBC documentary ‘Ben’s Zoo’, and the 2011 film based on his story starring Matt Damon. His forthcoming book ‘Hominid’ explores diet, health, and wellbeing. Benjamin was awarded an honorary doctorate from Plymouth University, is an ambassador for Brain Tumour Research, and is a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Communications Committee.
With keynotes discussing overcoming hardship, teambuilding, and authentic leadership, Benjamin draws from real experience to deliver powerful messages on the impact that nature and animals can have on personal development and success. Through his TEDxTotnes, Benjamin weaves humour, emotion, and practical advice, sharing his passion for animals and their welfare. His relaxed yet deeply moving style resonates with all kinds of audiences, highlighting the significance of conservation, education, and mental resilience. From corporate executives to inquisitive students, Benjamin is the perfect addition to a multitude of events, offering both actionable business strategies and emotional guidance.
Books
We Bought a Zoo: The Amazing True Story of a Broken-Down Zoo, and the 200 Animals That Changed a Family Forever
Benjamin Mee's official speaking topics are listed below:
- Motivation and Inspiration
- Benjamin shares his unique journey of buying and rescuing Dartmoor Zoo, emphasising perseverance, hope, and positivity even when facing immense personal and professional challenges.
- Overcoming Obstacles and Adversity
- Benjamin presents lessons on overcoming setbacks, dealing with bereavement, and navigating tough business and personal challenges, with practical insights for organisations.
- Teambuilding and Collaboration
- Benjamin discusses building effective teams and fostering a collaborative, resilient culture, drawing from his experience leading the turnaround of the zoo.
- Achieveing Goals and Leadership
- Benjamin’s talks centre on setting ambitious goals, driving organisational change, and authentic leadership in times of uncertainty.
- Change Management and Innovation
- Benjamin addresses embracing and leading change, risk-taking, and innovation in business and personal life, using the zoo purchase and transformation as his anchor story.
- Sustainability and Conservation
- Benjamin shares lessons about sustainability, animal welfare, conservation, and the positive impact of nature on health and well-being.
- Adventure and Taking Risks
- Benjamin offers a unique perspective on seizing opportunities, taking bold risks, and turning vision into reality, inspired by his zoo adventure.
- Natural Capital
- Benjamin discusses looking at biodiversity through the lens of Natural Capital, seeing it not just as wildlife or scenery, but as a stock of assets that generate real value for society and the economy. This perspective helps us understand that protecting biodiversity is not just about conservation, it’s about safeguarding the assets that underpin how our health, resilience, and prosperity.
- Nature Therapy
- Benjamin Mee talks about the therapeutic aspects of engaging with the natural world. Under his stewardship, the zoo has launched innovative community projects, working with veterans and children, and promotes the mental and emotional well-being that comes from meaningful connections with animals and nature.
Official Feedback From In-person & Virtual Events
"Hugely interesting, emotionally engaging, and a great insight into the challenges and pressures directors face when their business is struggling." - R3
“Honestly, the best speaker of the day, and everyone really enjoyed his inspirational and exceptional story." - Kirsten, R3
“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.” - Andy, Capita PL
“Ben immediately captured the 120 delegates with his sincere and engaging personality; the conference room was filled with reactions from complete silence to raptures of laughter… feedback forms all indicated he was one of the highlights.” - Tanya, Cats Protection
“Benjamin spoke for 45 minutes and throughout this time the audience was captivated … tells it with integrity, humility, and humour. If you ever get a chance to hear him speak, I would thoroughly recommend that you seize it with both hands.” - Gillian, ASK Europe
“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!” - HSS Hire
- 2015 - Gifted zoo to Dartmoor Zoological Society
- 2011 - 'We Brought a Zoo' film released
- 2008 - 'We Brought a Zoo' book published
- 2007 - Re-opened the zoo under the name Dartmoor Zoological Park
- 2006 - Purchased Dartmoor Zoo
How to hire Benjamin Mee
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Benjamin Mee for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
