MUMBAI: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) Pictures has acquired Jay Scherick and David Ronn’s comedy spec script The Zookeeper with Walt Becker attached to direct.

Becker directed Wild Hogs as well as the upcoming comedy Old Dogs. He will also produce with Jennifer Eatz for The Walt Becker Company. The Zookeeper marks another new project put in the production pipeline at MGM under the supervision of Mary Parent, Chairman, Worldwide Motion Picture Group.

The story centers around a lonely zoo keeper who decides to leave his job because he can’t meet a girl and the animals who love him intervene and teach him nature's secrets about how to “get the girl.” Todd Garner, who will also produce through his Broken Road Productions, came up with the original idea for The Zookeeper and approached Walt Becker to come on board and develop the idea. Cale Boyter, executive VP, production and Becky Sloviter, VP, production will oversee the project for MGM.

Boyter says, "The Zookeeper is a big idea with universal family appeal and a great role for an actor at the center. It's hilarious and at the same time has a ton of heart."