Our Zoo

I have no idea why they wouldn't continue with such a wonderful series as this. I was obsessed with every episode and it led me to look into it and being American I'd never heard of this.

I can't believe more stories like this aren't told instead of a 17th movie of Spider-Man or whatever. But this was something fascinating and true and heartwarming a legendary cast of actors.

You know it's not too late to bring it back...

Should be obvious that the story offers great opportunity for a remarkable & special series. Unfortunately, it seems that the writing is too much by committee or that different writers took on different pieces and then it was thrown together in a less cohesive whole.

Also, almost every woman character, with rare & specific outlier status, is a negative. The mother is a dreadful selfish impediment who actively works to undermine the project - as if trying to sink the project will make her life better than she thinks it is. The teenage brat is another example of shallow selfishness. There is no one in the list of characters who rallies the family, who seems capable of translating George's vision into an identity that could have, in fact, been a powerful source of common ground. Instead, the writing and directing posits simple opposites against each other in little episodes time & time again. The story, as such, thus doesn't really move forward with discernable development. Through at least half the series, there is very little movement away from the oppressive frustration and almost endless occurrences of evil graft & backstabbing in the 'community' and, to too large an extent, the family.

Viewers would like to root for someone, here, particularly in this story, but the writers, directors & producers seem intent on extending the bleakest tone possible.

Also, the brother-in-law is so stereotypical and SO on character with the actor playing the complete cowardly idiot, it's just a perfect example of how the series suffers from stupidly simplistic writing, acting and directing.

OMG, a bear gets out of an enclosure through a chain link gate, then a heavy wooden barred gate, a closed barn gate and then out the OPEN main property gate! So, let's understand: this bit of contrivance is the bridge of tension between two episodes. And, the stupidity of leaving the gate open occurs at the end of the family's most triumphant day to date. This kind of sloppy writing is unnecessary, unless fundamental writing talent is lacking. So,.....

Why did they take such a great opportunity, such a largely greatly talented cast, and produce this sad, bleak and ultimately manipulative series?

Based on a true story, this makes it even better! Beautiful scenery, manor home, and cinematography. Realistic, honest character development. Loved the actors, actresses, and animals. Genuine portrayal of wartime survivors experiencing PTSD. Emotionally congruent, feeling the empathy and compassion for the various animals. Tears happened in quite a few scenes/episodes that authentically portray the resiliency, determination, passion, and purpose experienced throughout the first season. My only real disappointment after watching the first season was that I had hoped there would be more! I'm sure there's endless accounts of the family, zoo, and the story of their lives!

The charm of 'Our Zoo' is that it is based on the incredible true story of a man called George Mottershead, who with his family in the 1930s had a vision to build a zoo without bars. This zoo is Chester Zoo and today has been named by trip adviser as No 1 in the UK and is the most visited tourist attraction in the UK outside London. Also pleasing to know is Chester Zoo has also evolved with the times and today is now heavily involved in conservation work.

George despite having no formal higher education was a pioneer in keeping animals in enclosures without bars. He wasn't very wealthy but was determined to create a zoo where animals would be happier and well cared for. Incredibly resourceful as well as being quite a risk taker, he was also very fortunate to have the support of his family, who had strengths which complemented his own and were willing to work hard to make the zoo a success. In 1930, it was the time of the depression and George was able to purchase 'Oakfield' a manor house at a bargain price at auction, along with stables,a conservatory, lodge and a 7 acres of grounds. The story is based on the struggle George and his family had to open the zoo due to local opposition, including that of the local reverend. George found to his surprise the local gentry taking an interest and providing support as many of them already kept themselves exotic pets. This is an inspiring story with all the elements needed in a drama to keep the viewer entertained. The acting is superb in it and the sets and costumes take you back to the wonderful era of the 1930s.

I thoroughly enjoyed this series from start to finish. The plot, storyline and portrayal of the characters was excellent. The fact that this dramatization was based on a true story made it all the more remarkable and unique. The setting was beautiful and the animals were believable for the out start of a zoo for that time period. The wardrobe and costumes were also exquisite especially at the Charity Ball. The characters themselves were likable and you could connect with each of the family members and their supportive friends. The actors were so well chosen and represented their roles perfectly. The script was well written and enhanced the storyline so well. My admiration goes to the writers and producers for putting together such a brilliant adaptation of this true story. I'm disappointed that the series has ended and feel there must be more to the on going story or tales of the zoo after it was officially opened.