Bristol Zoo

Bristol Zoo
Main entrance
Map
51°27′48″N 2°37′20″W / 51.46333°N 2.62222°W / 51.46333; -2.62222
Date opened1836
Date closed3 September 2022
LocationClifton, Bristol, England
Land area12 acres (4.9 ha)
No. of animals7155 (2007)[2]
No. of species419 (2007)
Annual visitors478,126 (2018)[1]
MembershipsThe Bristol, Clifton and West of England Zoological Society
Major exhibitsZona Brazil, Seal and Penguin Coasts, Gorilla Island
Websitewww.bristolzoo.org.uk

Bristol Zoo was a zoo in the city of Bristol in South West England. The zoo's stated mission was to "maintain and defend" biodiversity through breeding endangered species, conserving threatened species and habitats and promoting a wider understanding of the natural world".[3]

The mammal collection at the zoo numbered around 300, representing 50 species, including: gorillas, Asiatic lions, goodfellow's tree-kangaroo, and red pandas. Among species on view at Bristol which are rare or absent in other UK zoos were Livingstone's fruit bats, aye ayes and quolls.

The zoo's Twilight Zone was the first of its kind when it opened, there were many other indoor exhibits including an insect and reptile house and aquarium meanwhile outside there were several aviaries and a seal and penguin enclosure. The lakes' islands were home to gorillas, golden lion tamarins, golden-headed lion tamarins, gibbons and squirrel monkeys.

The Zoo announced on 27 November 2020 that after more than 186 years its main centre in Clifton would close in 2022, with its animals moving to its Wild Place Project site close to the M5 motorway and the zoo reopening there in early 2024.[4][5] In the event, it closed its gates for the last time on 3 September 2022.[6] The site is being redeveloped for housing. It was listed as an asset of community value in 2021.[7]

  1. ^ "ALVA – Association of Leading Visitor Attractions". alva.org.uk. Retrieved 28 July 2019.
  2. ^ Bristol Zoo Annual Report 2007 Archived 6 June 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ "Bristol Zoological Gardens Strategic Plan 2008-2018". Bristol, Clifton and West of England Zoological Society Limited. Archived from the original on 7 August 2016. Retrieved 5 August 2016.
  4. ^ "Bristol Zoo to leave Clifton site after 185 years", BBC News, 27 November 2020
  5. ^ Sophie Grubb, "Bristol Zoo closing: Mayor says relocation was 'the very best decision'", Bristol Post, 27 November 2020
  6. ^ "Bristol Zoo in pictures: Attraction shuts after 186 years", BBC News, 3 September 2022
  7. ^ "Assets of Community Value Lists". Bristol City Council. Retrieved 27 April 2024.