Bristol reacts to zoo closure

With the announcement that Bristol Zoo Gardens will relocate to the Wild Place Project, people across Bristol have been sharing their reactions on social media.

Bristol Zoo Gardens opened in 1836 and is the world’s oldest provincial zoo. In comparison to modern day zoos the site is very small, at only 12 acres, with many of the larger species previously housed at the zoo no longer kept at the site.

The move hopes to ensure the zoo will be a world-class place for animals, as well as to safeguard the organisation into the future.

Bristol Zoo Gardens will remain open until late 2022 and visitors will not see an immediate change while plans are developed further. Wild Place Project will remain open throughout this time, until it becomes the new Bristol Zoo from early 2024:

Susan Musgrove
“I’m happy that the animals will be moving to a better and bigger home as the zoo is not suitable anymore, but I’m sad that they will be selling off such an historical building.”

Karl R. Kroenen
“Moving to bigger and better pastures. Literally.”

Bristol Zoo will leave its site in Clifton after 185 years. Photo: Martin Booth

Sam Espensen
“Fantastic decision for the animals. Wild Place has the opportunity to become a world leader in conservation and the best space possible for the zoo’s current residents.”

Thangam Debbonaire MP
“I was sad to hear that Bristol Zoo will leave Clifton over the next few years. I know it has been a special place for generations of Bristolians. Bristol is an environmentally conscious place and the zoo reflects this. It has been fantastic having a conservation organisation in the heart of the city, and I hope it continues to educate people from Bristol and beyond as the Wild Place site expands.”

Nigel Baker
“This is so unbelievably sad.”

Jane Keenan
“Let’s hope this means less animal suffering in cages. Delighted to say I have never been to Bristol Zoo, nor would I ever want to.”

Jen Holmes
“Hopefully the space available at the wild place site will allow them to develop world class facilities and an enclosure that is bigger for the wild cats.”

Sandy Hore-Ruthven
“This is a bold and a good decision – Good for the animals, good for conservation and good for their future.”

Alfred the gorilla at Bristol Zoo Gardens in 1938. Photo: Bristol Zoological Society

Fern Carter
“Old site would make an awesome city farm!”

Adam Luckwell
“I think it makes sense, there is a lot more space for the animals at wild place. Lots of memories though from Bristol zoo and I hope the gardens are kept in some form and the site isn’t all just sold for housing.”

Mr Danack
“You could probably start writing the article of ‘Bristol University to buy Bristol Zoo site. Plans to turn it into a small campus/hall of residence’ now.”

Lilla Tolhurst
“I hope all the animals get bigger and better space, especially the lions! Let’s not forget that poor polar bear.”

Al Ó Baoighill
“That’s really sad to hear. But it at least means the debate over parking on the Downs will be over.”

Dan Izzard
“Looking forward to moving into a penthouse apartment on Gorilla Island TBH.”

Gemma Brown
“Great progress in a world where we now fully understand how wrong it is to have sentient beings in cages. Fully support this.”

Tim Wright
“Personally very sad about this. Many happy memories visiting as a family. Seems a shame that it’ll be turned into housing.”

Wendy the elephant at Bristol Zoo Gardens. Photo: Bristol Zoological Society

AJ Le Brun
“Good. The enclosures were horrifically small and not suitable.”

Shawn Mullins
“You’ll get some lovely flats in there…”

Melanie Simpson
“After the dreadful loss of the young zebra thanks to local fireworks you have to say that the animals need to be somewhere more suited to today’s lifestyle. I used to live and work close to Bristol in the 90s but only recently visited the zoo for the first time. Very nice place and great for families but it did seem bizarre that it’s almost surrounded by residential properties.”

Lindsay Katzer
“I hope they make better public transit to get there (Wild Place Project).”

Nathalie Carter
“I’m so pleased the animals will be given the chance for more safari-like enclosures. Wild Place is streets ahead in that respect and the zoo just made me feel uncomfortable – particularly the lion enclosure which broke my heart and stopped me going back. Good luck to everyone.”

Main photo: Martin Booth

Read more: Bristol Zoo to permanently close its Clifton site