Royal visit prepares gorillas for new visitors at Bristol Zoo Project

Bristol Zoological Society’s Royal Patron, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, made a special visit to Bristol Zoo Project on 17 March, ahead of the public opening of the site’s major new African Forest habitat on 1 April.

The Duke’s visit forms part of a carefully choreographed programme of events designed to reintroduce the zoo’s famous gorilla troop to visitors ahead of the Easter holidays.

During the visit, His Royal Highness went behind the scenes at Bristol Zoo Project and meet volunteers, conservationists and animal keepers. The Duke has been Patron of Bristol Zoological Society since 2013.

As the animals settle into their new woodland home, small groups of guests are being gradually welcomed to the habitat starting with just 10 visitors at a time and over a month, increasing to 2,000 members. Throughout this process, expert teams from Bristol Zoological Society will closely monitor the animals’ behaviour and welfare to ensure they remain comfortable and thriving in their new environment.

During the visit, a tribute was also paid to Jock, the troop’s much-loved silverback gorilla, who sadly passed away just two weeks after moving to the new home.

The African Forest is home to some of the world’s most threatened species, providing a vital space for conservation and education. These include Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas, Endangered cherry-crowned mangabeys, Critically Endangered slender-snouted crocodiles, Endangered African grey parrots, and several extremely threatened species of West African freshwater fish.

By providing a natural woodland setting for its troop of endangered gorillas at Bristol Zoo Project, the Society will connect visitors to the forests of Equatorial Guinea — where the charity also works to protect these remarkable animals in the wild.

African Forest is the first habitat to be completed as part of the long-term development of Bristol Zoo Project, to create modern conservation zoo fit for the 21st century.

Image: Bristol Zoo Project African Forest, credit Verity McGuire

Justin Morris, Chief Executive of Bristol Zoological Society, said: “The opening of African Forest marks a significant step in our vision for Bristol Zoo Project.

Bristol Zoo Project is not a typical zoo. It is a conservation project with a powerful mission to protect threatened species and habitats. Rather than traditional enclosures, the site is being developed as an immersive conservation zoo, where visitors experience large, naturalistic habitats designed around the needs of wildlife.

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’s their world on your doorstep.”

Opening on 1 April, African Forest promises families a day filled with awe, discovery, and unforgettable memories.

For tickets and more information, visit the Bristol Zoo Project website.