Bristol Zoo Project has got the green light to build a forest-style habitat for some of Central Africa’s critically endangered species.
Work on the new area, named Central African Forest, will begin this spring and is expected to finish next year.
The development is part of the Bristol Zoological Society’s plan to create a new conservation zoo, where at least 80 percent of species are connected to its conservation work in the UK and around the world.
The habitat will house the zoo‘s existing group of western lowland gorillas. These will be joined by a new group of endangered cherry-crowned mangabeys, as well as critically endangered slender-snouted crocodiles, endangered African grey parrots, and several threatened species of West African freshwater fish.
The gorillas and mangabeys will live in an area four-and-a-half times the size of the gorilla troop’s former home at the now-closed Bristol Zoo Gardens site.
The habitat will utilise the wooded area of the zoo’s 136-acre site in South Gloucestershire. It will also feature integrated learning spaces for visitors.
“All of the mammals, birds, reptiles and fish that will live in Central African Forest are classified as threatened in the wild,” said Brian Zimmerman, director of conservation and science at Bristol Zoological Society.
“The creation of this habitat not only presents a unique opportunity for us to bring these wonderful creatures together and expand our conservation work, it also enables us to participate in, and lead, managed breeding programmes, which will help to protect them in the future.”
Justin Morris, chief executive at Bristol Zoological Society, said the project is “a major step forward in our vision to create a modern conservation zoo with animals living in spaces more closely reflecting their natural habitats”.
“Creating a new environment such as this helps to raise vital awareness of the risks these species are facing and the efforts we can all take to save wildlife together,” he added.
“Conservation zoos have a critical role to play in working with communities and connecting them with wildlife.”
In addition to the new habitat, Bristol Zoo Project is planning a Central African Savannah habitat for black rhinos, ostriches, giraffes, zebras and cheetahs.
Morris said the zoo will also be building “new visitor facilities and a conservation campus for students studying to become conservationists”.
Images courtesy of Bristol Zoological Society
