Bristol Zoo Project breaks ground on habitat for endangered species
1 July 2024
Work has begun on the ambitious new Central African Forest habitat at Bristol Zoo Project for some of the world’s most endangered species, designed to closely mirror their natural habitats.
It will become home to the zoo's existing troop of Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas, who will move into their expansive new quarters in the spring of 2025 along with Endangered cherry-crowned mangabeys, marking the first time these two species will be housed together in a UK zoo.
They will also be joined by Critically Endangered slender-snouted crocodiles, Endangered African grey parrots, and several threatened species of West African freshwater fish, viewable through a special underwater viewing area.
Justin Morris, Chief Executive of Bristol Zoological Society, said, "This is an incredibly exciting moment for us and a significant milestone in our vision to create a modern conservation zoo at Bristol Zoo Project. Central African Forest will not only provide our animals with environments that reflect their natural habitats but also raise vital awareness of the threats these precious species face around the world."
Marcus Rothnie, Partner, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, said: "We are proud to be part of a project that not only prioritizes the welfare and conservation of critically endangered species but also integrates seamlessly with the natural landscape.
"Our goal was to design spaces that foster natural behaviours and provide an immersive experience for visitors, highlighting the importance of the conservation work undertaken by Bristol Zoological Society."
We are proud to be part of a project that not only prioritizes the welfare and conservation of critically endangered species but also integrates seamlessly with the natural landscape.
Marcus Rothnie, Partner, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
Leading in conservation
The new habitat is designed to evoke the dense forests of Equatorial Guinea, where the Bristol Zoological Society runs significant conservation projects. The habitat will offer generously scaled spaces for the animals, adhering to world-class animal management design standards.
The construction of the Central African Forest is part of the first phase of our broader masterplan to transform the Bristol Zoo Project into a leading conservation zoo. The masterplan includes co-locating and relocating facilities from Bristol Zoo Gardens and the former Wild Place Project, integrating research, veterinary medicine, conservation, education, and visitor facilities into a cohesive site.
Following the completion of the Central African Forest, plans are already in place for the development of a Central African Savannah habitat, which will host black rhinos, red-necked ostriches, giraffes, zebras, and cheetahs. A new Conservation Campus is also in the pipeline, providing teaching facilities for over 600 higher education students annually and engaging 90,000 school children.