We Bought a Zoo (2011)
Synopsis: “We Bought a Zoo” is a heartwarming family drama based on a true story. Benjamin Mee, played by Matt Damon, is a widowed father struggling to raise his two children, Dylan and Rosie, after the death of his wife. Seeking a fresh start, Benjamin decides to purchase a rundown zoo in the countryside. With the help of the zoo staff, including head zookeeper Kelly Foster (played by Scarlett Johansson), Benjamin works tirelessly to renovate the zoo and reopen it to the public.
As Benjamin navigates the challenges of running a zoo and raising his children, he also begins to heal from his grief and rediscover his passion for life. Meanwhile, Dylan struggles with his own feelings of anger and isolation but finds solace in his newfound connection with the animals.
The film explores themes of family, love, and the healing power of animals. It’s a touching story that reminds viewers of the importance of taking risks, following your dreams, and finding joy in unexpected places.
Objectives:
- To Understand Business Ownership
- To Analyze Decision Making
- To Consider the Importance of Risk-taking
Introduction
- Briefly introduce the movie “We Bought a Zoo”
- Discuss the different types of business ownership (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation)
- Identify which type Benjamin Mee’s zoo falls under
- Have students analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the chosen type of business ownership
- Define entrepreneurship and discuss how Benjamin embodies entrepreneurial traits
- Have students brainstorm their own business ideas and discuss the steps they would take to bring them to fruition
Analysis/Discussions
Decision Making and Risk-taking:
- Explore the decision-making process Benjamin Mee went through when deciding to buy the zoo.
- Discuss the risks involved in his decision and how he mitigated them.
Business Planning:
- Have students identify the steps Benjamin took to plan for the zoo’s reopening.
- Discuss the importance of a business plan and how it helps guide the success of a venture.
Marketing and Promotion:
- Analyze the marketing strategies Benjamin used to attract visitors to the zoo.
- Discuss the importance of advertising, social media, and word-of-mouth in promoting a business.
Customer Service:
- Discuss the importance of providing excellent customer service in a business.
- Analyze how Benjamin and his team interacted with visitors and animals to create a positive experience.
Leadership and Teamwork:
- Explore Benjamin’s role as a leader and how he motivated his team to work together towards a common goal.
- Discuss the importance of communication, collaboration, and trust within a team.
Reflection and Discussion:
- Have students reflect on the lessons they learned from the movie about business and entrepreneurship.
- Facilitate a class discussion on how they can apply these lessons to their own lives and future careers.
Hands-on Activities
- Field Trip: Organize a field trip to a local zoo or business to provide students with a real-world perspective.
- Guest Speaker: Invite a local entrepreneur or business owner to speak to the class about their experiences.
- Research Project: Assign students to research and present on a famous entrepreneur.
