We Bought a Zoo: Cast, Roles, Net Worth, Height, Families, And Relationships

We Bought a Zoo (2011) is an American biographical comedy-drama film directed by Cameron Crowe, loosely based on Benjamin Mee’s 2008 memoir.

Set in Southern California, it follows widowed father Benjamin Mee, who buys a dilapidated zoo to start anew with his children.

Filmed in Thousand Oaks, California, the film grossed $120 million on a $50 million budget, earning a 65% Rotten Tomatoes score. Critics praised its heartwarming tone and cast but noted sentimental excess.

Main Cast and Their Roles

Matt Damon as Benjamin Mee

• Role: Benjamin, a grieving journalist, buys and renovates a zoo to heal his family, anchoring the film (~80% of 124-minute runtime, ~100 minutes screentime).
• Net Worth: $170 million
• Height: 5’10” (1.78 m)
• Family: Born October 8, 1970, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Kent (stockbroker) and Nancy Damon (professor). One brother, Kyle.
• Relationships: Married Luciana Barroso since 2005; three daughters, Isabella (born 2006), Gia (born 2008), Stella (born 2010); stepdaughter, Alexia (born 1998).
• Post-Film: Starred in Oppenheimer (2023), The Last Duel (2021). Upcoming: The Instigators (2025).

Scarlett Johansson as Kelly Foster

• Role: Kelly, the dedicated zookeeper, helps Benjamin rebuild the zoo and develops a subtle romance (~60% of runtime, ~75 minutes).
• Net Worth: $165 million
• Height: 5’3″ (1.60 m)
• Family: Born November 22, 1984, in New York City, to Karsten (architect) and Melanie Johansson (producer). Twin brother, Hunter; siblings, Vanessa, Adrian, Christian.
• Relationships: Married Colin Jost (comedian) since 2020; one son, Cosmo (born 2021). Previously married Ryan Reynolds (2008–2011), Romain Dauriac (2014–2017; one daughter, Rose, born 2014).
• Post-Film: Starred in Black Widow (2021), Fly Me to the Moon (2024). Upcoming: Jurassic World Rebirth (2025).

Thomas Haden Church as Duncan Mee

• Role: Duncan, Benjamin’s skeptical brother, offers comic relief and advice (~30% of runtime, ~35 minutes).
• Net Worth: $20 million
• Height: 6’0″ (1.83 m)
• Family: Born June 17, 1960, in Woodland, California, to Max (military) and Carlos Church. Five siblings, names private.
• Relationships: Married Mia Zottoli since 2002; one daughter, Cody (born 2004).
• Post-Film: Starred in Divorce (2016–2019), Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). Upcoming: Accidental Texan (2025).

Colin Ford as Dylan Mee

• Role: Dylan, Benjamin’s rebellious 14-year-old son, struggles with grief and adapts to zoo life (~50% of runtime, ~60 minutes). Salary: ~$100,000–$300,000.
• Net Worth: $1.5 million
• Height: 5’11” (1.80 m)
• Family: Born September 12, 1996, in Nashville, Tennessee. Family details private; no siblings reported.
• Relationships: Single as of 2025; no confirmed public relationships.
• Post-Film: Starred in Under the Dome (2013–2015), Walker (2021–2024). Upcoming: The Hill (2025).

Maggie Elizabeth Jones as Rosie Mee

• Role: Rosie, Benjamin’s optimistic 7-year-old daughter, embraces the zoo (~40% of runtime, ~50 minutes). Salary: ~$50,000–$150,000.
• Net Worth: $1.5 million
• Height: 5’4″ (1.63 m)
• Family: Born October 10, 2003, in Atlanta, Georgia. Family details private; no siblings reported.
• Relationships: Single as of 2025; no confirmed public relationships.
• Post-Film: Starred in Ben and Kate (2012–2013), Halt and Catch Fire (2014–2017). Recent: Limited acting; focuses on studies.

Elle Fanning as Lily Miska

• Role: Lily, a young zoo worker, befriends Dylan and adds a gentle teen romance (~30% of runtime, ~35 minutes). Salary: ~$100,000–$300,000.
• Net Worth: $6 million
• Height: 5’9″ (1.75 m)
• Family: Born April 9, 1998, in Conyers, Georgia, to Steven (baseball player) and Heather Fanning. One sister, Dakota (actress).
• Relationships: Dating Max Minghella (actor/director) since 2018.
• Post-Film: Starred in Maleficent series (2014–2019), The Girl from Plainville (2022). Upcoming: A Complete Unknown (2025).

Patrick Fugit as Robin Jones

• Role: Robin, a quirky zoo handyman, supports Kelly and Benjamin (~25% of runtime, ~30 minutes). Salary: ~$50,000–$150,000.
• Net Worth: $1 million
• Height: 6’0″ (1.83 m)
• Family: Born October 27, 1982, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Bruce (engineer) and Jan Fugit. Two siblings, Jocelyn, Colin.
• Relationships: Married Jennifer Del Rosario since 2014; one son, name private (born ~2015).
• Post-Film: Starred in Gone Girl (2014), Outcast (2016–2017). Upcoming: My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To sequel (2025).

John Michael Higgins as Walter Ferris

• Role: Walter, a strict zoo inspector, challenges the team (~15% of runtime, ~20 minutes). Salary: ~$50,000–$100,000.
• Net Worth: $5 million
• Height: 5’11” (1.80 m)
• Family: Born February 12, 1963, in Boston, Massachusetts, to John (businessman) and Patricia Higgins. No siblings reported.
• Relationships: Married Margaret Welsh (actress) since 2003; two children, Maisie (born 2003), Walter (born 2006).
• Post-Film: Starred in Pitch Perfect series (2012–2017), Happily Divorced (2011–2013). Upcoming: Prom Dates (2025).

Additional Notes

Salaries: Damon, an A-lister, commanded $5–10 million, while Johansson earned $2–5 million, reflecting their star power. Church, Ford, Fanning, Fugit, and Higgins made $50,000–$1 million, typical for supporting roles. Jones, a child actor, earned $50,000–$150,000. The $50 million budget covered zoo sets, animals (e.g., Crystal the Capuchin, Bart the Bear), and California locations. Streaming on Hulu and Peacock adds residuals.

Casting Insights: Damon (Bourne series) brought gravitas to Benjamin. Johansson, post-Iron Man 2, fit Kelly’s warmth (beating Amy Adams, Rachel McAdams). Church’s comedic chops (Sideways) suited Duncan. Young actors Ford and Jones added emotional depth. Fanning’s rising star (Super 8) fit Lily. Fugit (Almost Famous) and Higgins (Best in Show) added Crowe’s signature quirky flair.

Impact and Legacy: The film’s $120 million box office and 65% Rotten Tomatoes score reflect its family-friendly appeal, though some X posts critique its predictability. It won a Teen Choice Award (2012, Choice Movie: Drama). Jónsi’s soundtrack, including “Gathering Stories,” trended on Spotify. The zoo’s animals and Rosie’s optimism became fan favorites. A real-life Dartmoor Zoological Park (UK) inspired the story.

Post-Film Careers: Damon and Johansson remain Hollywood heavyweights. Church balances TV/film. Ford and Fanning thrive in dramas. Jones slowed acting for education. Fugit and Higgins take steady supporting roles.

Cultural Influence: We Bought a Zoo resonated for its themes of grief and renewal, with Benjamin’s “20 seconds of courage” quote going viral on X. Some criticized its idealized view of zoo management, but its diverse cast (minor roles like J.B. Smoove, Kym Whitley) and animal focus drew praise. Streaming on Hulu, Peacock, and Disney+.

Conclusion

We Bought a Zoo’s cast, led by Damon’s heartfelt Benjamin and Johansson’s spirited Kelly, crafted a feel-good family film. Net worths range from $1 million (Fugit) to $170 million (Damon), reflecting their career trajectories. Personal lives, from Damon’s stable marriage to Fanning’s long-term romance, add depth. Its emotional resonance, modest box office success, and streaming availability ensure its enduring charm.