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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.