Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
A lonely boy and a zoo animal share a mild adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
Pip has come from his beloved home in Nairobi to go to school and live with his childless, but caring aunt in England. It's a big change, and he's trying hard, but can't help but feel sad, angry, and out of place. A visit to the zoo finds Pip identifying and sympathizing with "Peggy," a South American coati mundi (a small mammal) who, like Pip, has been transplanted to England. When he hears people talking about "starving" an animal, Pip misunderstands and sets out to save Peggy. The rescue is easy; the aftermath is not. Pip's good intentions lead to lies, trouble, and a concerned, but furious aunt.
Is It Any Good?
ZOO BABY is a visit to a rarified theatrical past; the simple story, unsubtle performances, and larger-than-life incidents will seem quaint to today's kids.
But there are some very likable elements here: the adorable little animal, Pip's struggle to feel comfortable and loved in his new home, and, finally, the intrigue that's always appealing -- will Pip fool everyone else in the village and save the day?
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Pip's first lie snowballed into major trouble for him. Has that ever happened to you? Did you learn from the experience?
Some things, like wanting to be liked and have friends, have not changed since 1960 when this movie was made. Other than the obvious (like clothes, transportation), how and why is life different today?
Did you agree with Mary's decisions when she discovered Peggy in Pip's room? What should she have done to be more helpful?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : January 1, 1960
- Cast : Angela Baddeley , Gerard Lohan , Maurice Kaufmann
- Director : David Eady
- Studio : Penington Eady Productions
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Friendship , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Run time : 59 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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