“We Bought a Zoo,” the heartwarming 2011 film starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson, primarily filmed on location at the Dartmoor Zoological Park in Devon, England. Supplementing this authentic setting were key scenes shot in the Los Angeles area of California, providing a blend of realism and cinematic convenience.
Dartmoor Zoological Park: The Heart of the Story
The film’s power lies in its genuine portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of running a zoo. This authenticity stemmed directly from the decision to film extensively at the actual Dartmoor Zoological Park near Sparkwell, Plymouth. The zoo, at the time, was under the ownership of Benjamin Mee, the very man whose memoir inspired the movie.
The production team transformed the already picturesque setting to more closely resemble the fictional Rosemoor Wildlife Park depicted in the film. This involved cosmetic changes, such as repainting buildings, adding props, and enhancing existing enclosures. However, the underlying spirit and character of the real Dartmoor Zoological Park are undeniable throughout the movie. The real-life animals also played a part, adding another layer of authenticity.
While Dartmoor formed the film’s core, logistical considerations necessitated supplemental filming elsewhere.
The California Connection: Adding Hollywood Magic
Significant portions of “We Bought a Zoo,” particularly interior scenes and specific shots that proved challenging to capture in Dartmoor, were filmed in and around Los Angeles, California. Studio sets allowed for greater control over lighting and sound, facilitating efficient filming.
Specific locations in California included:
- Stages at 20th Century Fox Studios: Interior shots of the Mee family home and other controlled environments were primarily filmed on sound stages.
- Malibu Creek State Park: This versatile location provided a backdrop for some exterior scenes meant to depict the surrounding areas of the Rosemoor Wildlife Park.
- Various Locations in the Los Angeles Area: Specific scenes required unique settings that were readily available in the diverse Los Angeles landscape. These might have included roads, local businesses, and residential areas.
The use of both Dartmoor and California locations allowed the filmmakers to balance authenticity with practicality, creating a visually compelling and emotionally resonant film. The seamless integration of these locations contributed to the overall believability of the story.
FAQs: Deep Diving into the Filming Locations
Here are some frequently asked questions that shed further light on the filming locations and production details of “We Bought a Zoo”:
H3: 1. Was the Real Dartmoor Zoo Open to the Public During Filming?
Yes, the Dartmoor Zoological Park remained open to the public for a significant portion of the filming process. This presented unique logistical challenges for the crew, but it also allowed visitors to witness the making of the film firsthand. The production team worked closely with the zoo’s management to minimize disruption and ensure the safety of both the animals and the public.
H3: 2. How Much of the Film Was Actually Shot at Dartmoor Zoo?
A substantial portion of the film, estimated to be around 60-70%, was filmed at the Dartmoor Zoological Park. This included all of the major exterior scenes involving the zoo’s animals, grounds, and buildings.
H3: 3. Did the Actors Interact with the Real Animals at Dartmoor Zoo?
Yes, the actors, including Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson, did interact with the real animals at Dartmoor Zoo. However, these interactions were carefully supervised by experienced animal handlers to ensure the safety of both the actors and the animals.
H3: 4. Were Any New Enclosures Built Specifically for the Film?
While the production team didn’t construct completely new enclosures, they did make modifications and enhancements to existing enclosures to better suit the film’s narrative and visual aesthetic. This involved adding props, altering landscaping, and repainting structures.
H3: 5. How Did the Production Team Transport the Animals Between the UK and the US?
Animals were not transported between the UK and the US for filming. The animals seen in the Dartmoor scenes were exclusively from the Dartmoor Zoological Park, while any animal shots required in California were sourced locally in the United States.
H3: 6. Are the Filming Locations Still Recognizable Today?
Yes, the Dartmoor Zoological Park remains a popular tourist attraction and the filming locations are largely recognizable. While some minor cosmetic changes made for the film have been removed, the overall character and layout of the zoo are still very much as they appeared in the movie.
H3: 7. Did Benjamin Mee Have Any Involvement in the Filming Process?
Yes, Benjamin Mee was actively involved in the filming process. He served as a consultant, providing valuable insights into the day-to-day operations of a zoo and ensuring the film remained true to the spirit of his story.
H3: 8. What Challenges Did the Production Crew Face Filming at a Real Zoo?
Filming at a real zoo presented several challenges, including:
- Controlling Animal Behavior: Working with animals requires patience, flexibility, and skilled animal handlers.
- Minimizing Disruption: The production team had to be mindful of the animals’ routines and avoid causing unnecessary stress.
- Maintaining Hygiene and Safety: Strict hygiene protocols were essential to protect both the animals and the crew.
- Weather Conditions: The unpredictable weather in Devon, England, posed logistical challenges for outdoor filming.
H3: 9. Why Was California Chosen as a Secondary Filming Location?
California was chosen as a secondary filming location primarily due to its established film industry infrastructure, including studios, experienced crew members, and a diverse range of readily available locations. This made it a cost-effective and logistically sound choice for filming interior scenes and specific exterior shots.
H3: 10. Were There Any Legal or Environmental Permits Required for Filming at Dartmoor Zoo?
Yes, the production team would have been required to obtain various legal and environmental permits to film at Dartmoor Zoological Park. This would have included permits related to animal welfare, noise pollution, and environmental impact.
H3: 11. Did the Film’s Success Have an Impact on Dartmoor Zoo’s Popularity?
Yes, the film’s success had a significant positive impact on Dartmoor Zoo’s popularity. The film brought international attention to the zoo, leading to a surge in visitor numbers and increased awareness of its conservation efforts.
H3: 12. Can Visitors See Any “We Bought a Zoo” Memorabilia at Dartmoor Zoo Today?
Yes, the Dartmoor Zoological Park showcases “We Bought a Zoo” memorabilia, including photographs and information about the film’s production. These exhibits provide visitors with a glimpse into the making of the movie and celebrate the zoo’s role in bringing Benjamin Mee’s inspiring story to the big screen. Visiting the zoo allows fans to walk in the footsteps of Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson and experience the magic of “We Bought a Zoo” firsthand.