Delve into the historical archives of the fifth oldest zoo in the world

In the vast Victorian hall of Clifton Pavilion, four tables line the floor-to-ceiling arched windows.

The floorboards creak with every footstep, and illustrations of animals frame the walls. Even the squawks of a flamboyance of flamingos can be heard from inside the hall.

It’s a rainy Wednesday morning, and so the Bristol Zoo team have moved their historical archive into the safety of the ballroom.

Each table follows a specific theme, telling the story of the zoo’s 185-year history. From big cats to souvenirs and archived signage to Alfred, the zoo’s famous resident gorilla from 1930-1948 (who has his own table), artefacts and plaques inform visitors of the zoo’s physical history.

Bristol Zoo is the fifth oldest zoo in the world and has been open since 1836. It is set to close its historic Clifton site on September 3 when all operations will move to its Wild Place Project sister site near Cribbs Causeway.

The Clifton site has welcomed visitors for decades and has played a part in making fond memories that span generations.

This weekend, Bristol Zoo pays tribute to its history by inviting the public to delve through its historical archives in an outdoor marquee located in its gardens. The Zoo and You celebration event will take place on Saturday and Sunday and is free to attend.

The public can expect open access to Bristol Zoo’s historical archive and the opportunity to delve through its old relics, photographs, signage and records that have not been available publicly for decades.

Inside Clifton Pavilion, a line of tables display Bristol Zoo’s historical archives – photo: Flossie Palmer

Among the plethora of artefacts on display is Alfred’s own death mask, enclosure signs depicting illustrations of different penguin species, and a range of guidebooks dating back to 1903 interspersed with adverts of their time; the latest model typewriter to new leather boots being among them.

Simon Garrett, head of public engagement, told Bristol24/7 he has a “strong personal attachment” to the Clifton site and the characters the zoo has been home to over the years. In the 1960s, elephants Wendy and Christina were known to make the occasional appearance walking down Whiteladies Road, with Wendy even making a short visit to Clifton College on its 100th anniversary in 2002.

John Patridge, Bristol Zoo’s longest-serving zookeeper of an impressive 45 years, was even known to transport animals to Bristol’s BBC Studios during the production of Animal Magic, a children’s television series which ran from 1962 to 1983.

Simon added: “This year marks such a significant milestone in Bristol Zoo’s incredible story. As we move towards the closure of the Clifton site, it’s important that we mark and celebrate the 185-year history of this famous attraction, and look to the future of the new Bristol Zoo.”

He noted that without staff efforts to explore the zoo’s archives, many of its artefacts faced being disregarded during the move. He said efforts of PhD History students from the University of Bristol in 2011 helped preserve the zoo’s history.

The earliest edition of Bristol Zoo’s archived guidebooks dates back to 1903 – photo: Flossie Palmer

Over the weekend, a programme of talks will take place, informing visitors about the part Bristol Zoo has played in the evolution of public zoos.

Main Image: Flossie Palmer

Read More: ‘We need to build on Bristol Zoo’s legacy, not sell the site for housing.’ 

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