Betting Zoo

This documentary delves into the lives of the Van Der Merwe family, a South African clan who have built a unique and controversial business around breeding and selling exotic animals, often for the international pet trade. The film explores the ethical complexities and personal motivations behind their enterprise, capturing intimate moments of family life alongside the stark realities of their industry.

Betting Zoo received a generally positive reception from critics, who praised its intimate and unflinching look at a controversial subject. While some reviewers noted the film's sometimes unsettling nature, many commended its objective approach and the depth of its character studies.

• Praised for its intimate and unvarnished portrayal of a family operating in the exotic animal trade.
• Noted for its exploration of ethical ambiguities without resorting to easy judgment.
• Commented on for its visually striking yet often disturbing depiction of the animal business.

Google audience: Audience reviews for Betting Zoo are scarce due to its niche documentary nature and limited release. However, where available, viewers often express fascination with the unique subject matter and the family's controversial business, while also grappling with the ethical implications presented.

The film's director, Liza Mandelup, spent over two years gaining the trust of the Van Der Merwe family to document their lives and business.