Our Zoo

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!

Scant few scenes of wildlife interacting with humans interwoven with old timey British melodrama. If your kids don't have an iPad maybe they'll enjoy. Pretty boring.

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.

This is a good bbc drama although it is a dramatised version of the true story. I wanted to challenge the point another reviewer who says we cannot justify zoos in the modern world. That is an idiotic statement and one that is what is wrong with the world at the moment. Zoos are more important than they ever have been. They are key in conservation and education. They are breeding animals that are in danger of going extinct and educating people all over the world in why animals need to survive rather than killing them directly or indirectly. It's a shame the internet has allowed ignorant people a voice.