Benjamin Mee

Benjamin Mee is best known as the former owner and current trustee of Dartmoor Zoo, whose remarkable journey inspired the international bestselling book We Bought a Zoo and a subsequent Hollywood film. His extraordinary story is one of resilience, vision, and determination, as he navigated personal tragedy, the challenges of saving a failing business, and the unpredictability of working with wild animals. Today, Benjamin is a respected motivational speaker who shares invaluable lessons on resilience, leadership under pressure, and the vital role of sustainability in both business and everyday life.

After completing a degree in psychology at University College London and an MSc in Science Journalism at Imperial College London, Benjamin began his career as a journalist. He contributed to The Guardian, Men’s Health, and Grand Designs Magazine, as well as The Independent, The Telegraph, and The Daily Mail. His early work reflected his ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity, creativity, and insight, skills that would later underpin his success as both an author and speaker. In 2006, Benjamin and his family purchased Dartmoor Zoo in Devon, rescuing it from closure after years of decline. Reopening the zoo in 2007 was an immense challenge, made even more difficult by the devastating loss of his wife later that year. Nevertheless, the zoo continued to thrive under his leadership. By 2015, Benjamin had launched the Education and Research Department before gifting the zoo to the Dartmoor Zoological Society, where he continues to serve as a Trustee.

His story has been shared through the BBC documentary ‘Ben’s Zoo’, his bestselling memoir, and the Hollywood film starring Matt Damon. Alongside these achievements, Benjamin has been awarded an honorary doctorate from Plymouth University, is an ambassador for Brain Tumour Research, and contributes to the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Communications Committee.

Benjamin’s experience makes him an inspiring sustainability speaker. He brings authentic insight into how businesses can adapt, survive, and grow when driven by a greater purpose. His TEDxTotnes talk demonstrates his ability to blend humour with emotional storytelling while delivering actionable lessons on conservation, leadership, and resilience. With a relaxed yet compelling style, he engages audiences ranging from corporate leaders to students, showing how sustainability is not only about protecting the planet but also about building stronger, more resilient communities. Benjamin offers more than stories of survival; he provides a blueprint for thriving in times of uncertainty, making him a powerful and memorable addition to any event.