News / Bristol Zoo Project
Gorillas get ready to go on show to visitors at Bristol Zoo Project
Four years after last being seen in public, Bristol’s gorilla troop will once again be on show from Wednesday.
The move of the eight gorillas from the former Bristol Zoo in Clifton into the new ‘African Forest’ habitat at Bristol Zoo Project near Cribbs Causeway was the largest ever gorilla move orchestrated in the UK and even involved the help of armed police officers.
Tragically, just a fortnight after relocating, the most senior male in the group, 42-year-old Jock, began to experience serious health issues and he was euthanised to avoid any further suffering.
The rest of the gorillas have now settled into their new home which will see them sharing the outdoor forest space with a group of mangabey monkeys, slender-snouted crocodiles, African grey parrots and a variety of endangered West African fish.
Visitors to Bristol Zoo Project will be able to see western lowland gorillas living under a tree canopy for the first time, with zoo bosses hoping to transport families to the wilds of Equatorial Guinea where its conservation teams work to protect gorillas and their natural habitats.
Bristol Zoo Project chief executive, Justin Morris, said: “Bristol Zoo Project is not a typical zoo. It is a conservation project with a powerful mission to protect threatened species and habitats.
“Today, 85 per cent of the animals in its care are both threatened in the wild and part of targeted conservation programmes.
“Every visit supports vital work in the UK and overseas – helping to safeguard species for future generations.
“By creating larger, more natural habitats that prioritise animal welfare, we aim to connect people with wildlife in meaningful ways and inspire the next generation of conservationists.
“One of the most exciting features of African Forest is the opportunity to witness the unique interactions between species that share the same habitats in the wild. It is their world on your doorstep.”
Main photo: Bristol Zoo Project
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