News / Bristol Zoo Gardens
Bristol Zoo reveal more details of what will happen to Clifton site
Bristol Zoological Society say that now is “the most exciting time in the charity’s 186-year history”.
In November 2020, the society announced that its Bristol Zoo Gardens site in Clifton would shut and a new zoo would be created at the Wild Place Project.
The Gardens will close in late 2022 and the new zoo will open in 2024.
is needed now More than ever
The charity has announced further details of its plans as it appoints a new director of transformation, Francesca Fryer.
Under the new strategy, led by Fryer, the Clifton site’s main entrance will become an “urban conservation hub” and will tell the heritage and story of the site in an exhibition.
Bristol Zoo Gardens will also become the base of the Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project community, conservation programmes and a cafe.
Bristol Zoo Gardens announced it would shut its Clifton site in November 2020. Photo: Bristol Zoological Society
“Many people, myself included, have a personal affinity with Bristol Zoo Gardens,” says Fryer.
“The passion that people have for Bristol Zoo Gardens is huge, it is such a unique and special site. As such, I understand the significance of our new strategy and what it means to people.
“Equally, the opportunity that we are presented with at the Wild Place Project site is huge. The nature and scale of the site is amazing. It is a fantastic canvas to work with, to really showcase our expertise and our conservation values while offering more space for the animals, for nature and a truly fantastic visitor experience.”
Bristol Zoo Gardens will remain open until late 2022 and visitors will not see an immediate change on site while plans are developed further.
The site is closing due to the financial impact of Covid-19, declining visitors and the Gardens having made a loss four of the past six years.
The Wild Place Project will remain open throughout as changes occur and will become the new Bristol Zoo in early 2024.
Main photo: Google
Read more: Bristol Zoo to permanently close its Clifton site
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
