British journalist Ben Mee was looking to buy a new house for his wife and two children, but impulsively bought a zoo in South West England instead.
It had 250 exotic animals, no funding, and was threatened with imminent closure.
That was just four years ago, and it was a steep learning curve for Ben who had no experience running a zoo before. Early on he had to deal with an escaped jaguar intent on attacking the other big cats in the zoo.
Sadly his wife developed a brain tumour and died but the family found solace being among the animals.
Now the story of how Ben saved the zoo is being turned into a Hollywood film starring Matt Damon.
Outlook's Jo Fidgen spoke to Ben about shouting at tigers, losing his wife and getting the Hollywood treatment.