Bristol Zoo embarks on an ambitious £9.2 million project to enhance its conservation efforts.
- The development will introduce a Central African forest habitat, significantly increasing environmental space for animals.
- Special attention is being paid to the creation of new homes for gorillas, crocodiles, and parrots.
- Challenges include meeting stringent environmental requirements and managing delicate ecological conditions.
- Completion is anticipated for 2025, marking a new era in UK zoological conservation.
Bristol Zoo is redesigning its landscape with a £9.2 million investment to establish a Central African forest habitat. This project is designed to serve both the animals and the conservation objectives of the Zoological Society, offering spaces that more closely mimic the natural ecosystems of various species. The development reflects a dedicated approach to enhancing both animal welfare and conservation education.
Central to this transformation is the construction of a new gorilla house, which will provide the primates with four times the space they previously had. The habitat will include an innovative outdoor space incorporating a moat, which not only adds to the naturalistic environment but also ensures the animals’ safety. In addition to the gorilla house, the plans feature a crocodile house and a parrot aviary, extending the zoo’s capacity to house these species in improved conditions.
This project has not come without its challenges. The design process, conducted with specialist contractors and in collaboration with the Bristol Zoological Society, necessitated intricate planning to cater to the diverse needs of threatened species. Key considerations included water treatment processes, heating and atmospheric controls, as well as the inclusion of non-toxic plants that replicate the characteristics of Equatorial Guinea’s forest habitat.
An essential aspect of the project’s success is its adherence to environmental protection standards. This involves managing complex logistical challenges, such as the delivery of materials to the site and the safeguarding of existing root and tree systems under sensitive protection orders. Despite these hurdles, the zoo will remain operational throughout the construction period, allowing visitors to continue their engagement with its conservation mission.
Both Beard’s Bristol director, Matt Cooper, and the Chief Executive of Bristol Zoological Society, Justin Morris, have expressed enthusiasm for the joint effort. Cooper remarked on the privilege of contributing to such an advanced conservation project, underscoring Beard’s commitment to leveraging its extensive experience. Similarly, Morris acknowledged the milestone’s significance in advancing the zoo’s conservation efforts, highlighting the dual role of providing enriched environments for animals while raising awareness of global ecological threats.
This substantial development at Bristol Zoo represents a pivotal step forward for conservation efforts within the UK.
