Our Zoo

Our Zoo is a refreshing and engaging BBC series from 2014 that achieved both critical acclaim and viewer's adoration. The drama series comprises six compelling episodes, each following the heart-warming and adventurous narrative of George Mottershead, a man with a visionary outlook and an undying passion for animals.

George, a man who dares to defy the orthodox ways, dreams of creating a 'zoo without bars'. George Mottershead is a real-life person, and the series gets its vitality from being based on the inspiring true story of the famous Chester Zoo, England's most loved and most-visited wildlife attraction.

The plot embarks with George, a WWI veteran, who suffers from post-war trauma and finds solace in his love for animals, which he nurtures with utmost care and affection. George lives with his supportive yet worried wife, Lizzie, his two daughters, Muriel and June, his spunky mother, Lucy Mottershead, and her crusty father, Albert. After the war, George starts working as a porter at the railway station but feels suffocated by the trappings of an ordinary life.

The turning point arrives when he encounters a squirrel monkey and a camel joylessly confined in a small crate ready for shipping away. Touched by their plight, George adopts them. This single action fuels his long-standing dream to create a zoo where animals exist in their natural settings instead of cages. He quits his job and buys Oakfield Manor in Upton, Chester, to transform it into a sanctuary for animals.

Our Zoo not only paints a beautiful picture of George's relentless pursuit of his ideal zoo but also revolves around his family and how they navigate through numerous challenges and problems along the journey. The series captures the resistance and backlash they face from the conservative and startled local community, the financial struggles they endure, the intricate politics that they go against, and the internal clashes that they manage to surmount.

The makers of the series have skillfully depicted the 1930s, engineering a visually captivating and historically detailed landscape that adds to the viewing pleasure. Every character in the series is exquisitely scripted, offering intriguing subplots and adding layers to the narrative. The family dynamics and tangible conflicts showcased in the series make it relatable yet thoroughly entertaining, broadening its appeal beyond just animal lovers.

The performances in Our Zoo are commendable, with each actor bringing a unique charm and depth to their characters. Lee Ingleby, who plays George Mottershead, exhibits an earthy charisma and sturdy resilience that keeps viewers rooting for his vision throughout the series. Liz White, as his wife Lizzie, delivers an equally endearing performance, balancing stoic fortitude and playful affection. Their daughters, played by Honor Kneafsey and Amelia Clarkson, portray innocence and ambition impeccably. Anne Reid and Peter Wight in their roles as the family's seniors, bring authenticity and emotional heft to their characters.

Written by Matt Charman and directed by Andy De Emmony and Saul Metzstein, Our Zoo beautifully creates an emotional arc that encapsulates the essence of family, courage, and an unwavering belief in one's dreams against all odds. The script's subtlety and the narrative's pace effortlessly merge the life of the Mottersheads and the formation of the zoo, building up to a brilliant climactic end.

From the production design to the well-directed story, authentic performances, and impressive anthropomorphic aesthetics, every element of Our Zoo lends an irresistibly charming and magnetic vibe to the show, making it a must-watch.

To encapsulate, Our Zoo is not just a television drama series; it's a heartfelt tribute to the vision that transformed a common man's dream into a world-renowned conservation park. It's an invitation to an engrossing narrative that combines human emotions, courageous supremacy over adversities, and an inspiring journey of a man who could turn a seemingly eccentric dream into reality. Our Zoo is a delightful companion for anyone looking for inspiration, history, family dynamics, and, of course, a dash of adorable animals.