We Bought a Zoo (2011)
A grieving father buys a dilapidated zoo, finding wholesome new purpose and family connection amidst animal antics.
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.
How intense is We Bought a Zoo?
We Bought a Zoo has no gore and no real violence. Emotionally it is heavy. The pace is measured, and it is a family watch and a comfort watch. The humor runs wholesome. Rated PG.
What We Bought a Zoo feels like
- Tone
- heartwarmingfeel goodearnest
- Pace
- Measured
- Humor
- wholesome
- Best for
- Family nightComfort watch
- True story
- Yes, based on a book.
Where to stream We Bought a Zoo
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 15, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is We Bought a Zoo for you?
Is We Bought a Zoo scary?
No. We Bought a Zoo is not a scary watch (scare level 0 of 3).
Is We Bought a Zoo gory or violent?
No gore (0 of 3) and no real violence (0 of 3). Squeamish viewers are fine here.
Is We Bought a Zoo sad or heavy?
It is emotionally heavy (2 of 3). Expect it to land.
Is We Bought a Zoo OK for kids?
It is rated PG and nothing here runs hot: scare 0, gore 0, violence 0, each out of 3. A safe family pick by the numbers.
How long is We Bought a Zoo?
We Bought a Zoo runs 2h 4m.
Where can I stream We Bought a Zoo?
We Bought a Zoo is streaming on Disney+.
Does We Bought a Zoo have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
Yes. It lands on a happy note.
Cast and crew
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