Bristol ZOO Project is a relatively new city attraction that was established in the area formerly known as Wild Place Project. In 2023, the Wild Place Project merged with Bristol Zoo Gardens, a small zoo that was previously located in the Clifton district.
The facility is managed by the Bristol Zoological Society and has been designed to integrate various environments and ecosystems. The project’s aim is to study endangered animal species and their place in the continually shrinking natural environment.
Bristol ZOO Project and Bristol Zoological Society
The Bristol Zoological Society group, which manages the Bristol ZOO Project, is a charitable organization established to support environmental conservation and education, aiming to raise awareness about the needs of wild animals in an increasingly challenging world.
The organization conducts scientific research on environmental conservation and works to protect species and their habitats worldwide. Through the efforts of its scientific team and numerous volunteers, projects have been developed that change the perception of wildlife and initiate a gradual process of social behavioural change towards a diverse environment.
One of their recent projects was the reintroduction of white-clawed crayfish to the rivers of the United Kingdom. Currently, the team is focusing on supporting efforts in the Philippines to save endangered species there. Additionally, the organization has branches in nine countries across four continents, with one of their operational sites being the Bristol ZOO Project.
Bristol ZOO Project tour
The new Zoo in Bristol might not yet be a place that will impress everyone. I believe that more demanding adults might be a bit disappointed. There are few animals, especially given the vast area, and attractions are sparse. Families with children, on the other hand, will have much more fun, as it seems, this place was created primarily for them. However, to avoid sounding entirely negative, I must add that this place is still in its early stages, and there are many ongoing projects and areas that will become integral parts of the park in the future.
From what I saw, children have a great time here. Unlike adults, they don’t have high demands and need only a few playgrounds, some sand, and wooden animal figures for a good time. Of course, this doesn’t mean that it’s not worth visiting the Bristol ZOO Project. It’s worth a visit if only to learn about the organization’s activities and plans, and to see what has already been done. Furthermore, remember that a significant portion of the ticket sales proceeds goes to people working to ensure that the world of wildlife survives in good condition for future generations.
My walk through the park took about an hour, although I could have covered the whole area in much less time. It’s different if you bring children along, as the numerous activities and educational projects will keep them occupied for many hours.
Right after entering the park and purchasing your ticket, you’ll see a sculpture of a giant ape with a young one. The structure is impressive and is next to a rope park and a climbing wall. Everything here is large, and it seems you need quite a bit of experience to use them, in my opinion.
In the immediate vicinity, you’ll find a restaurant, toilets, a first aid point, tourist information, and a picnic area. There are several picnic spots in the park, so it’s worth bringing your food, as prices at the park’s restaurant and pizzeria are not low.
Just past the buildings, the trails through the park begin. I recommend going to the right, passing Fun Fort, and walking along the path through meadows and forest until you reach the monkey enclosure. At the ticket booth, you’ll receive a map of the entire area, so you’ll need to plan your visit accordingly.
Animals from Bristol Zoo
As I mentioned earlier, there aren’t many animals at the Bristol ZOO Project, although this impression is partly due to the park’s vast size. The animals have plenty of space to hide, making them less visible.
I spent the most time at the enclosure for the Gelada baboons. These primates come from Ethiopia and were endangered for many years. Today, thanks to the work of organizations like the Bristol Zoological Society, these animals have returned to their habitats and are relatively numerous, although they still require care.
Below, you will find information about other animals in the Bristol ZOO Project.
Brown gelada at Bristol ZOO Project
There are six gelada monkeys living in the Bristol Zoo. These primates have a body length of up to 65 centimetres and can weigh up to 16 kilograms. A characteristic feature of geladas is their light eye rims and tails ending in a tuft. In the wild, these monkeys inhabit rocky, forested mountain areas. Interestingly, geladas primarily feed on grass, fruits, and flowers.
Not long ago, this species was endangered, but now its population has been restored to stable numbers and has become widespread.
I greatly enjoyed watching these monkeys play. Near their habitat, you will find a picnic area, so it’s worth taking a break there. Of course, under no circumstances should you feed the animals, as it can cause them serious harm.
Brown Bear Project at Bristol Zoo
Brown bears are a species that has become extinct in the UK, although discovered remains indicate that these animals lived on the islands more than ten thousand years ago. The habitat created for these beautiful animals in Bristol is impressive and extensive. The bears live here in an environment close to their natural one, and their caretakers provide them with all possible care.
The area spans nearly eight acres of specially prepared forest, meadows, and nooks, offering the bears many opportunities to explore. Interestingly, the habitat is also home to several other animal species, such as wolves, wolverines, and lynxes. It is sad that all these species no longer exist in the wild in the UK.
The brown bear has a massive and large body with a thick and strong neck. These animals can reach almost three meters in length and up to one and a half meters in height at the shoulder. The average weight of a male is nearly 400 kilograms, while females are even half as light and more slender.
Originally, brown bears inhabited all of Europe, but over time they were almost eradicated. Conflict with humans and the gradual loss of suitable habitats led to their near extinction. Currently, according to scientific data, about seventeen thousand individuals live in Europe. This number does not include animals living in Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, where such studies have not been conducted for years.
A notable example of positive actions for the restoration of the species is Poland. In the 1960s, there were about 10 individuals in the country, and today there are over 80. Most bears live in Romania, where there are more than 6,000.
At the Bristol ZOO Project, animals can be observed while walking along wooden walkways located a few meters above the ground. Unfortunately, since the entire area is forested, it is not always possible to spot the animals, as they like to hide in the underbrush.
Birds at Bristol ZOO Project
The park is home to many bird species, which have been provided with numerous habitats. Many of the species living in the park are classified as endangered. These endangered species are conservatively bred in various places worldwide to ensure their survival and eventual return to their natural environments.
Particularly striking are the ostriches, which have their habitat right at the entrance to the zoo and are the first residents you encounter. Currently, you will only see common ostriches in the enclosure, serving as a learning experience for the breeders working in the zoo. However, the plan is more ambitious, with the future introduction of the endangered red-necked ostrich.
Another fascinating bird you will encounter here is the weaver from the Ploceidae family. This small bird from Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa is a beautifully coloured engineering marvel. This species builds very intricate nests on tree branches, creating quite a noisy environment.
Other birds in the zoo include pigeons, turtle-doves, and the Visayan hornbill. The area designated for birds is an excellent spot in the park where visitors can rest and sit on one of the benches, even if just to observe the creatures living there.
Cheetahs at Bristol ZOO Project
The Bristol ZOO Project is home to two cheetahs brothers, who have adapted well to the park’s environment. These magnificent cats walk confidently right next to the glass partition separating them from visitors, allowing you to see them up close.
Currently, there is one species of cheetah in the world, found in Africa and Asia. The two individuals in Bristol come from Tanzania, where the Bristol Zoological Society monitors and protects wildlife. Cheetahs are powerful animals, quite different from our domestic cats. They are slender and incredibly agile, reaching lengths of nearly one and a half meters and weighing almost 50 kilograms.
In the park, the cheetahs have plenty of space, with a varied terrain tailored to their needs. There are hills, tall grass, and special structures for the cats to climb and rest on.
Elands, giraffes, and zebras at the Bristol ZOO Project
In the garden, there is only one individual of the common eland species, which are widespread throughout Africa. They typically live in large herds, so preparations are underway to bring more of these animals to the park.
In the area designated for herbivores in Bristol, alongside the eland, you’ll find giraffes and zebras, which are a big hit, especially among children. Giraffes, in particular, are very endearing and photogenic, as you can see from our gallery photos.
The giraffes at Bristol ZOO are Tom, Tico, and Dayo. All three are friendly, calm, and quite voracious; they can often be found munching leaves under the feeder throughout the day. These animals originate from the National Park in Cameroon, where the Bristol Zoological Society monitors and assists local authorities in combating poaching, which is a significant issue in that region of the world.
There are also two zebras in the park who have adapted well to living alongside the giraffes and eland. Zebras face challenges in their natural habitat due to thoughtless hunting and habitat loss, leading to their inclusion on endangered species lists in many regions. The zebras living in Bristol are named Peter and Florence.
The animal enclosure in this part of the park includes an outdoor area and a sheltered space where the animals can seek refuge from cold and rain.
Lemurs at the Bristol ZOO Project
Lemurs are primates native to Madagascar and the Comoros. All lemur species are protected under the Washington Convention, indicating they are endangered and legally safeguarded.
In Bristol Zoo Gardens, you can observe five species of these animals. They live in conditions closely resembling their natural habitats and have no issues adapting. Personally, I find these animals among the most fascinating in the entire park.
Lemurs are very trusting and friendly, which may contribute to their troubles in the wild, as they tend to trust humans too readily. Senseless hunting, capture for illegal trade, and the increasing human population on Madagascar disrupt the natural life cycle of these charming animals. When visiting Bristol Zoo Gardens, I recommend spending extra time observing these lemurs.
Eurasian lynx at Bristol ZOO Project
The lynx is another beautiful cat at the park. Bristol Zoo boasts two individuals of this species named Strefa and Loka. They are of different genders, so there’s a quiet hope that they will get along, and we may welcome a little lynx or a few in the park over time.
Lynxes live in forests throughout Europe, as well as in Asia and both Americas. They can reach lengths of over a meter and weigh up to 30 kilograms. A distinctive feature of these cats is the tufts of dark hair at the tips of their ears.
At Bristol Zoo Project, these agile kittens live alongside bears, wolves, and wolverines, which doesn’t bother them at all. It’s sad that in the UK, these animals are extinct, and you won’t encounter them even when wandering through the most remote areas.
Meerkats at the Bristol ZOO Project
Meerkats are amusing animals that pay no mind to human presence. They can sit on a branch just a meter away from children, observing them with the same curiosity as the children observe them.
They are predatory mammals from the mongoose family, native to Africa. Meerkats have a body length of nearly 30 centimetres and weigh around 700 grams. They live in large groups and occupy strictly defined territories, which they fiercely defend.
Meerkats utilize natural rock crevices or dig holes in the ground when natural shelters are unavailable. Interestingly, the group acts together for the common good. They set up guards to warn others of danger, and during fights, the strongest individuals cooperate remarkably.
Another remarkable feature of these animals is their organization resembling a school, where older members teach younger ones how to dig burrows, hunt, and escape danger.
In Bristol ZOO Project, there are four meerkats, all males. They live in open and covered areas, where they can take shelter in case of rain or cold.
Red panda at Bristol ZOO Project
The red panda is perhaps the biggest attraction at Bristol Zoo, and it’s no wonder—it’s a beautiful and truly adorable animal that captures the hearts of every child and beyond.
The panda in Bristol is named Nilo and is quite shy, which makes it difficult to see her because she likes to hide. Perhaps she also feels lonely, which is why another member of this species will soon arrive in Bristol. This time it will be a female, and the zoo authorities hope that these cute plushes will feel a connection and decide to expand their family.
Red pandas, also known as lesser pandas, live in southern China, India, and Nepal. They are nocturnal animals, which might explain why Nilo prefers to stay in her house all day. Red pandas are just over 60 centimetres in length and weigh less than 5 kilograms. In their natural habitat, they inhabit dens or burrows in the ground among tree roots.
Wolves at the Bristol ZOO Project
Wolves are magnificent animals, though they have been surrounded by myths and fears for centuries. At Bristol Zoo, there are four wolves named Forty, Socks, Loki, and Faolin. They occupy the same habitat as the bears, with whom they have formed friendships, though occasional misunderstandings do occur.
In the United Kingdom, wolves were exterminated centuries ago, but on the continent, they are a non-endangered species and are thriving due to the efforts of many people. Wolves are mammals from the Canidae family and are found in Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and even Australia. An adult wolf can reach a body length of up to 120 centimetres and weigh over 60 kilograms.
Scientists and researchers are not in agreement about whether the domestic dog originated from the wolf or is an entirely different species, though recent studies suggest that the theory of the wolf as the ancestor of dogs is highly plausible.
Apart from the animals I mentioned above, at Bristol Zoo you will also encounter wolverines, living in the area occupied by wolves and bears, as well as a male and female Philippine spotted deer, which are considered the rarest deer in the world.
Each of these animals has a habitat designed to replicate their natural environment as closely as possible, supporting both their physical and mental well-being. The Bristol ZOO Project aims to provide a sanctuary for these species while educating the public about the importance of wildlife conservation.
At the end of the visit to the Bristol Zoo
And here ends the adventure at Bristol Zoo Project. As I mentioned earlier, the park is large but still developing, and I hope in the future it will become home to many interesting residents.
I enjoyed strolling through the park, although I missed the animals and attractions typical of other large zoos, like those in the fantastic Orientarium in Łódź. Furthermore, I probably picked the worst time to visit the zoo. It was a warm weekend, so it seemed like all the moms with kids showed up that day. If you’re looking for quiet and a deep connection with nature in such places, choose a weekday when kids are in school and their parents are at work.
Oh, and just before leaving, I found out they are intensively working on preparing a new habitat in the park. It will be a Central African forest, which will become home to a group of lowland gorillas. Perhaps when you visit the park, they will already be its full-fledged residents.
Practical information from Bristol Zoo
- Address of Bristol Zoo Project: Bristol Zoo Gardens, Blackhorse Hill, Bristol, BS10 7TP.
- The zoo in Bristol is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:00 PM.
- There’s always a lot happening in the park, especially during the summer. I suggest checking the official zoo website for upcoming events.
- Food and drinks are available for purchase within the park, though it can be pricey. I recommend trying the coffee roasted by Clifton Coffee Roasters; it’s excellent.
- Near the area with bears and wolves, you’ll find a pizzeria with decent pizzas, though not cheap.
- On school holidays, it’s advisable to book tickets in advance, as they are limited and can sell out quickly.
- Pets are not allowed in the zoo.
- The park grounds are wheelchair accessible.
- To avoid disturbing the animals in their immediate surroundings, visitors are encouraged to behave calmly and quietly.
- Special animal encounters are organized in the park, where zoo staff provide visitors with opportunities to interact with the animals. You can find the schedule for these encounters on the zoo’s website or at the park’s information desk.
Ticket prices for the Bristol ZOO Project
- Adult ticket: £20.45
- Child ticket: £18.00
- Family ticket: £71.00
- Climbing wall and high ropes ticket: £10.00
- Climbing wall, high ropes, and other activities ticket: £14.00
When purchasing tickets, you have the option to add a few pounds as a donation to support the park’s activities.
- Adult membership: £54.00 per year
- Child membership: £42.00 per year
- Lifetime membership: £1000.00
Membership benefits include unlimited visits to Bristol Zoo Project for a year (or lifetime with lifetime membership), and free entry to other zoos across the UK, such as Edinburgh Zoo, Belfast Zoo, and Woburn Safari Park.
These prices and options provide flexibility depending on how often you plan to visit the zoo and whether you wish to support their conservation efforts through membership.
Bristol ZOO Project facts, information, and curiosities about the park and the animals living there
- Here is the translated text:
- Bristol Zoo Project was established in 2023 through the merger of Wild Place Project and Bristol Zoo Gardens.
- The park is managed by the non-profit organization Bristol Zoological Society, which conducts research on endangered species in Tanzania, Ecuador, Greece, the Philippines, Portugal, Cameroon, and of course, in the United Kingdom.
- During the winter months, bears at Bristol Zoo Project do not hibernate like their counterparts on the continent. Instead, they become lethargic and sluggish, which is a way to conserve energy during the cooler period of the year.
- Cheetahs, including those living at Bristol Zoo, are known for their speed. They can accelerate faster than most cars, even sports cars. They reach speeds of 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in 3 seconds.
- Eland is an animal from the antelope family that, as previously believed, changes colour with age. However, today we know that they lose their hair and their black skin begins to show through their increasingly sparse fur, giving the impression that the animals are getting darker.
- Elands are among the largest antelopes.
- Many people believe that zebras are white animals with black stripes, but the truth is different. In reality, zebras are black with white stripes.
- Lemurs are the most endangered species of mammals in the world.
- Lemurs have scent glands on their wrists and chest, which they use to mark their territory or defend themselves when threatened. They use their long and fluffy tails to more effectively spread their scent.
- Lynxes have paws that they can spread out to resemble snowshoes. In their natural environment, this helps them move even through deep and fluffy snow.
- The red panda is called the fiery fox in China.
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