News / Bristol Zoo Gardens
‘Bold’ vision to reopen Bristol Zoo Gardens launched
Campaigners fighting to reopen Bristol Zoo Gardens have launched a fresh bid to stop controversial plans to turn the historic site into flats.
Around 100 people attended a public meeting on Wednesday evening led by campaigner Tom Jones and supporters like Aardman co-founder Peter Lord to propose a new “reimagined” zoo with a science center and restored botanical gardens.
The “Bristol Zoo Gardens 200” proposal would see the site focus on endangered species from around the world to match the zoo’s size and scale with a shift to smaller animals with “big stories”.
The development is proposed to be financed primarily by the sale of the Clifton Pavilion for luxury flats.
However, questions remain on how campaigners will stop the sale of the site overlooking the Downs, with planning permission approved for 196 flats and a buyer in place.
In a statement to Bristol24/7, Bristol Zoological Society chief executive Justin Morris continued to defend his decision to close Bristol Zoo Gardens, citing its unsuitability for modern conservation and dismissing the campaigners’ report as lacking understanding of animal welfare and operational costs.
Tom Jones billed the public meeting as “the event Bristol Zoo’s current leadership never wanted to happen” – photo: Rob Browne
The redevelopment of the former Bristol Zoo Gardens was laid out by former head of facilities Jo Allotey and former project coordinator Rebecca Cole who argued that the project requires a broad vision of what a modern zoo can be.
The Bristol Zoo Gardens 200 plan proposes a shift away from traditional layouts, instead emphasising immersive, interactive learning and a focus on “small species in small spaces”.
Under this proposal, the site would be transformed into an “all-weather” attraction featuring a science center and a botanical garden alongside existing footprints, reintroducing visitor amenities like a cafe and an undercover picnic area.
Their goal is to “reimagine” the zoo’s exhibits, such as the former lion enclosure, to create a more engaging experience for visitors.
If a formal reopening decision is made, the Bristol Zoo Gardens 200 proposal would open one year after and assumes the Clifton site is retained, developed and managed by Bristol Zoological Society as part of a joint two-site strategy, claiming the two zoos can be “mutually complementary”.
The plans for the former zoo site in Clifton include building 196 new homes – image: Bristol Zoological Society
Bristol Zoological Society maintains it was forced to close the former zoo due to financial pressures made worse by the pandemic coupled with the physical limitations of the Victorian grounds which hindered modern conservation and animal welfare needs.
Planning consent for site was granted by Bristol City Council in April 2023 and would see the creation of 196 new homes, a new public park, a cafe, a playground and a conservation hub – a move upheld in court despite legal challenges from Save Bristol Gardens Alliance.
The sale to developer Acorn would fund Bristol Zoo Project near the M5, where Bristol Zoological Society hope to create “a world-class conservation zoo”.
Key plans include a new Central African Forest habitat for western lowland gorillas, mangroves and crocodiles, plus a future Central African Savannah with black rhinos.
A proposal developed for “a reimagined Bristol Zoo” was presented which sees a shift to smaller animals – image: Save Bristol Zoo Gardens
Jones said his plan would be financed through selling the lower plateau land at Bristol Zoo Project and the Clifton Pavilion at the old zoo as well as cutting staff numbers at the society.
Comparing the former zoo to other institutions in the city which were “saved at the 11th hour”, Jones said: “Bristol has form to do the right thing just before it does the wrong thing.”
“Our vision for a reimagined Bristol Zoo Gardens is fully costed and has been developed by industry experts,” said the campaigner.
“We fully believe it is the right solution for Bristol Zoo Gardens, Bristol Zoological Society and the people and city of Bristol.”
Around 100 people came to Bristol Improv Theatre to hear from a campaigner who has spent the three and half years fighting to reopen Bristol Zoo Gardens – photo: Rob Browne
Addressing the meeting, Aardman’s Lord said the closure and redevelopment plans of Bristol Zoo Gardens are an “outrage” and represents a betrayal of the city’s shared heritage.
He continued: “This priceless, irreplaceable asset is destined to be converted into packets of private wealth with privatised, depleted gardens, parts of which we may be allowed to enter until the new owners get tired of the silence.”
“Nothing, apparently, must be allowed to stand in the way of luxury housing.”
Bristol Zoo Project, home to Bear Wood, is located near junction 17 off the M5 – photo: Doug Lodge
Responding to the report from Save Bristol Zoo Gardens, Morris said: “We took the difficult decision to close Bristol Zoo Gardens as the Clifton site does not work as a modern conservation zoo.
“We believe zoos need to change, which is why we want to build a new zoo at Bristol Zoo Project (previously Wild Place Project), which is much larger, to provide excellent animal welfare in larger natural habitats.
“We want to focus on conservation and the threatened animals that most need our help. The campaigners are trying to stop this.
“Tom Jones’ third report repeats many of his previous arguments. He argues that the Society should cut staff numbers and reopen both zoos.
“His analysis doesn’t take account of the conservation and education activities delivered by our staff.
“The report also shows no understanding of animal welfare or the investment required to operate a zoo.
“We are a conservation and education charity trying to save and protect the world’s most threatened species, and yet, despite outlining a clear rationale for our strategy, in recent years we have faced a concerted campaign by individuals who have purposefully delayed the sale of Bristol Zoo Gardens, preventing us from accessing the proceeds and harming our charity.
“This means we have had to delay plans to construct new visitor infrastructure at our bigger site, Bristol Zoo Project, delaying new parking and access for cyclists and pedestrians. And we have had to cut costs and make roles redundant.”
All photos: Rob Browne
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