We Sold a Zoo – Lions and All!

by Steve Finn 31st of March, 2025

We Sold a Zoo – Lions and All!

Selling a zoo isn’t your everyday business deal, but that’s exactly what just happened. An Australian zoo complete with lions has officially changed hands after a hugely successful international expressions of interest campaign, led by Finn Mergers & Acquisitions.

Unlike in We Bought a Zoo, where Matt Damon stumbles into buying one with his family, this sale took strategic planning, global outreach, and a deep understanding of what it takes to run a fully operational Zoo.

The Strategic Campaign

Selling a zoo isn’t as simple as listing it and waiting for buyers to roll in. It’s not like selling a cafe or a retail store - this deal needed a buyer who not only had the financial backing but also understood the operational side of running a zoo, from licensing requirements to animal care.

Knowing the right buyer could be anywhere in the world, Finn M&A launched a large-scale strategic campaign, reaching out to over 200 potential buyers worldwide.

The response was impressive, generating 103 serious enquiries from individuals and organisations keen to take over the zoo.

As Steve Finn, Managing Partner at Finn M&A, put it:

“The transaction demonstrates how careful planning and diligent marketing leads to successful business sales, even for complex and unique properties like a zoo.”

The Buyer

In an industry where deals can take months (or even years) to finalise, this sale moved quickly. Remarkably, the first offer received during the campaign led to the successful sale of the zoo.

Both the business and its property were purchased, with the new owners eager to continue its operations and build on its legacy.

A Win for Business, a Win for Wildlife

This sale is a perfect example of how a well-executed, targeted campaign can attract serious buyers and achieve a successful outcome, even for the most unusual business opportunities.

While We Bought a Zoo might have made it look easy, selling one takes expertise, connections, and a deep understanding of the market.

At the end of the day, finding the right buyer ensures the animals, staff, and community continue to thrive, because when it comes to running a zoo, it’s about more than just business.

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