Bristol Zoo Gardens has announced that its 186-year-old site is closing to the public on September 3 ahead of its relocation to the Wild Place Project in South Gloucestershire.
“Bristol Zoo Gardens is a special place for so many people and we want to give them a chance to come, to see our animals and the gardens and to talk about their memories,” said Dr Justin Morris, chief executive of Bristol Zoological Society.
After closing, and following planning permission, parts of the site will be developed for housing. The gardens will open to the public free of charge for the first time in Bristol Zoo‘s history.
The site will also feature a children’s play area, and the theatre building on the main lawn will be used for cultural and educational discussions, workshops and events. Buildings including the Monkey Temple will also remain.
The iconic entrance will become the Clifton Conservation Hub, which will include a café and exhibition space, as well as the Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project.
Bristol Zoo Gardens closes September 3
“This is our legacy,” Morris said. “Our way of guaranteeing that people throughout the Bristol area will still be able to enjoy the gardens for generations to come.”
“They will remain an important destination for people to visit and enjoy,” he added.
Due to open in 2024, the new Bristol Zoo will house some of the world’s most threatened species, including a group of endangered cherry-crowned mangabey monkeys, as well as endangered African grey parrots.
It will also feature a new conservation learning centre and conservation medicine centre. The new zoo will offer many of the current attraction’s exhibits, including Bear Wood and Gelada Rocks.Â
Bristol Zoo Gardens is planning a series of celebratory events this summer, which will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Images: Bristol Zoo Gardens
