Weekly News
Bristol Zoo to get African forest habitat
Work has started at Bristol Zoo on a £9.2M Central African forest habitat, for endangered western lowland gorillas and cherry-crowned mangabey monkeys.
Work will include the construction of a gorilla house, along with a crocodile house and parrot aviary. Alongside their living quarters, main contractor Beard will be building extensive outdoor spaces for the gorillas, which will be surrounded by a moat. An integrated viewing area and learning space will also be built, enabling visitors and school groups to get up close with the animals.
Bristol Zoo will remain open throughout the scheduled works, with construction due to be completed in spring 2025. The development is the first stage in the Bristol Zoological Society’s plan to create a new, modern conservation zoo, where up to 90% of species are both threatened and part of targeted conservation programmes.
Justin Morris, Chief Executive of Bristol Zoological Society, said: “The project will see us create a new environment that will not only give our animals the opportunity to live in spaces more closely reflecting their natural habitats, it will also help to raise vital awareness of the threats these precious species are facing around the world.
“We have ambitious plans for the future, and this is just the beginning. Following the completion of CAF, we will also be creating a new Central African Savannah habitat, new visitor facilities and a Conservation Campus for students studying to become conservationists. This work will be delivered in phases over the next few years. We hope our visitors, partners and supporters will join us on this journey.”