African Forest: New Gorilla Habitat Open at Bristol Zoo Project

(eap) At Bristol Zoo Project, the zoological park in the southwest of England that has operated under this name since 2024 and was previously known as “Wild Place Project”, the latest habitat, “African Forest”, recently opened to the public. The project, which was approved by South Gloucestershire Council two years ago, marks the beginning of the first development phase of a new masterplan. This plan places a strong emphasis on landscape design in order to create species-appropriate, nature-oriented habitats for the zoo’s animals.

Photos: Courtesy of Bristol Zoological Society In a complex operation, the zoo relocated a group of eight gorillas from their former home at nearby Bristol Zoo Gardens in Clifton to the new site. The Clifton zoo has been closed for several years. Shortly after the transfer, a silverback – at 42 years old likely one of the oldest of its kind in the UK – had to be euthanised. The new gorilla enclosure has been officially open to visitors since 1 April and now offers the animals four and a half times more space compared to their previous habitat.

In addition to the Western lowland gorillas, which are part of an international breeding programme, visitors can observe other endangered species within an environment that reflects the forest landscape of Equatorial Guinea. These include the slender-snouted crocodiles, Cherry-crowned mangabeys, several species of West African freshwater fish and African grey parrots.

Photos: Courtesy of Bristol Zoological Society Several local companies were involved in the realisation of the project. While the landscape architecture firm Grant Associates was responsible for the masterplanning of the new gorilla area, the design of the “Gorilla House” was developed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBS) architecture firm. The firm Momentum Structural Engineers and construction company Beard also contributed to the implementation of the project. Inside the Gorilla House, the animals have access to a large oak climbing structure, providing opportunities for climbing, playing and resting. ■