Benjamin Mee

Benjamin Mee is an inspiring speaker and Zoo Director whose extraordinary journey and engaging style highlight resilience, conservation, and the power of storytelling.

Benjamin Mee brings a unique blend of experience and passion to his work as a speaker, author, and Zoo Director. Recently appointed to the BIAZA Communications and Development Committee, Benjamin is committed to enhancing the accessibility of zoos, engaging with the public, and championing the vital conservation and research efforts of zoos across the UK. With his background in journalism and his role as a Zoo Director, he offers a rare combination of insider knowledge and an outsider’s perspective, making him exceptionally qualified for this role.

Benjamin’s journey is a remarkable story of resilience, determination, and vision. When Dartmoor Zoo faced closure, he took the bold step of purchasing it, overcoming immense personal and professional challenges, including managing a zoo while navigating his wife’s terminal illness and raising two young children. His unwavering dedication to conservation and education, along with his belief in collaboration and sustainability, drives his work.

A Psychology graduate from UCL with an MSc in Science Journalism from Imperial College, Benjamin’s career includes writing for The Guardian and Men’s Health, as well as researching the evolution of humour. His experience as a journalist and storyteller shines through in his relaxed, engaging, and personable speaking style. Tailoring his talks to each audience, Benjamin delivers inspiring and memorable messages drawn from his extraordinary life experiences, including buying a zoo and having his story adapted into a Hollywood film.