Watch Trailer:
Zookeeper 2 follows Griffin Keyes (Kevin James) as he returns to the Franklin Park Zoo after years of running a wildlife sanctuary. The story begins with Griffin being lured back by his animal friends, led by Bernie the Gorilla, who reveal that the zoo is under threat of closure due to financial difficulties. To save their home, Griffin must organize a major fundraiser while dealing with a rival zookeeper, Sebastian (played by Adam Sandler), who has his sights set on turning the zoo into a theme park.
Spending Budget
The sequel to the beloved comedy Zookeeper (2011) was produced on a budget of approximately $80 million, significantly higher than its predecessor. This increase reflects the use of advanced CGI and animatronics to enhance the animals’ expressions and movements. Additionally, a portion of the budget was allocated to filming at multiple zoo locations worldwide to provide a vibrant and realistic backdrop. The production also invested heavily in star power, with Kevin James and Adam Sandler leading the cast and a stellar ensemble providing the voices of the zoo animals.
Release Date
Zookeeper 2 premiered in theaters on July 11, 2025, strategically releasing during the summer holiday season to capture a family-friendly audience.
Plot Spoiler
The movie follows Griffin Keyes (Kevin James), who returns to Franklin Park Zoo to save it from closure due to financial troubles. This time, Griffin is up against Sebastian (Adam Sandler), a rival zookeeper aiming to transform the zoo into a high-tech theme park. With the help of Bernie the Gorilla and the other talking animals, Griffin plans a grand fundraiser. The animals reveal their talents in a spectacular event, but chaos ensues when Sebastian discovers their secret ability to talk.
The climactic moment sees the animals uniting to thwart Sebastian’s plans, with Bernie stepping up as the hero. The fundraiser becomes a massive success, saving the zoo and highlighting the importance of preserving nature.
Success Story
Zookeeper 2 exceeded expectations, grossing $450 million worldwide. The film resonated with audiences due to its heartfelt themes, humor, and nostalgic appeal. Critics praised Kevin James’ comedic timing and the emotional bond between Griffin and Bernie. Families flocked to theaters, making it one of the highest-grossing family films of 2025.
The success was bolstered by a robust marketing campaign, including tie-ins with zoos and wildlife organizations. Zookeeper 2 not only entertained but also raised awareness about wildlife conservation, cementing its legacy as a feel-good family classic.
