GB: Bristol Zoo Announces Permanent Closure of Historic Site – Reopening Scheduled for 2024

The Bristol Zoological Society (BZS), which operates the historical Bristol Zoo, has recently announced the permanent closure of the facility in Clifton, Bristol located in the southwest of England. Due to financial reasons the zoo will be relocated and integrated into the Wild Place Project animal park (only a 20-minute car drive south of the original site), which is also operated by BZS, and will be re-opened as Bristol Zoo in 2024. Dr. Justin Morris, Chief Executive Officer of Bristol Zoological Society, said: “This year has been by far the most challenging year the Society has faced in its 185-year history. […] These challenges have had an enormous impact on our finances and the impact of Covid-19 has caused us to radically rethink our plans about the future and how we address the fundamental and persistent challenges that we face in order to save Bristol Zoological Society […].“

Another reason for the move of Bristol Zoo is conservation and animal welfare – the original urban site only spans 4.8 hectares (12 acres). The total ground space of the Wild Place Project spans over 55 hectares (136 acres) and therefore offers a perfect base for developing new suitable compounds for the animals. “This new strategy presents an opportunity to create a world-class zoo that sets the standard for a modern, forward-looking zoo in the 21st century. It will be an inspiring, immersive wildlife experience with conservation and sustainability at its heart, where animals will have the space and facilities to thrive,“ Morris added. The historical entrance building in Clifton is planned to become an urban center for conservation and sustainabilty. (eap)