'We Bought a Zoo' movie quotes are some of the best lines from the Cameron Crowe-directed film starring Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson and Thomas Haden Church. This movie is based on the true story of a father who decides to buy a financially strapped, run down zoo and restore it, with the help of some passionate staff members. The quotes from 'We Bought a Zoo' include some great lines from Damon, Church and others. See your favorite 'We Bought a Zoo' quote on this list? Vote it up! And feel free to add any quote that you don't see on the list, too.
'We Bought a Zoo' is based loosely on British writer Benjamin Mee's memoir that details his decision to move his family to the countryside to help run a zoo. In the movie, Matt Damon is Mee - a man struggling to overcome the tragic death of his wife and to help their two children find a fresh start. Caring for literally hundreds of animals isn't an easy task - and Benjamin must rely on the expertise of zookeeper Kelly Foster (Scarlett Johansson) and her staff to help get the zoo ready to reopen.
Looking for more great 2011 movie quotes? Check out these pages for the best quotes from 'The Muppets,' 'Hugo,' 'Arthur Christmas,' 'The Adventures of Tintin,' 'Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked' 'Jack and Jill,' 'Happy Feet Two,' 'Tower Heist,' and 'The Rum Diary.'
Also see these hilariously bad 'Zookeeper' reviews.
We Bought a Zoo Movie Quotes,
Modern Day Adventurers
Benjamin: "I would like to declare us all modern day adventurers. And sponsors of animal greatness!"
Benjamin's first attempts to rally the troops at the Rosemoor Wildlife Park aren't exactly...inspiring. But his heart is there, so hopefully the eclectic group will be willing to work together to save the zoo.
Don't Be Offended
Benjamin: "I think you're incredibly pretty - please don't take offense if I don't hit on you."
Kelly: "I'd be offended if you did."
Benjamin: "Thank you...I think."
Kelly is definitely "incredibly pretty," but Benjamin has just lost his beloved wife. He needs a friend, not a girlfriend, at least at the moment.
I Quit!
Benjamin: "I salute you and the great times we had together - and I quit!"
Benjamin Mee has had enough. Enough of his job in LA - so he quits. He decides to move with his kids to their 'dream home.' Interestingly, that dream home just happens to be sitting on 18 acres of a zoo. With each ending comes a new beginning...
Take Charge
Kelly: "We need somebody who can take charge of this place, or else we and all these animals are gone."
Benjamin: "So your question is..."
Kelly: "Why did you buy this place?"
Benjamin: "Why not?"
Kelly (Scarlett Johansson) is a zookeeper who has essentially dedicated her entire life (including her social life) to trying to keep the zoo going. She's understandably perplexed about why Benjamin would buy the property, and the zoo. Why not, indeed?
Animals and Humans
Duncan: "I like the animals, but I love the humans."
Another excellent quote from 'We Bought a Zoo.' This movie isn't really about the animals (though they are great): It's about the people that run it, the family that bought it, and how taking on a challenge and changing your life can save you.
Stating the Obvious
Duncan: "At the risk of stating the obvious, you're insane."
Benjamin's brother is, understandably, skeptical about the whole buying a zoo thing. Duncan thinks he's nuts, and maybe he is - but he's determined to make things work.
'Handsomer' Than the Other Dads
Benjamin: "Hey Rosie, am I doing anything right?"
Rosie: "You're handsomer than the other dads. Lots of them don't have hair. So that's good."
Rosie (Maggie Elizabeth Jones) has a good point. Benjamin might be falling short in some areas, as he tries to adjust to raising the kids without their mother, but at least he's not bald!
Insane Courage
Benjamin: "You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it."
Benjamin's words of wisdom, meant for his teenage son, definitely apply to his own challenges in life. Losing his wife threatened to derail everything, but he musters up the courage to make needed changes and keep the family together.
It's a Zoo
Benjamin: "This place is perfect! Why didn't you mention it earlier?"
Mr. Stevens: "It's a bit complicated."
Benjamin: "Complicated's okay. What's so complicated about this place?"
Mr. Stevens: "Well, you see, it's uhhh..." (Lion roars,loudly) "It's a zoo."
Rosie: "Yay!"
Mr. Stevens: "Yayyyy."
Yay, indeed, Rosie! Not just because you're buying a zoo - but because J.B. Smoove is in this movie!
Starting Over
Duncan: "Attempt to start over."
Benjamin: "I shall try to start over."
Duncan Mee (Thomas Haden Church) is Benjamin's older brother. Little does he know that his advice about starting over will mean that Benjamin will soon own...a zoo.