Bristol Zoo Gardens has announced its closure date after 186 years as one of the city’s most famous tourist attractions.
The 12-acre Clifton site is due to be sold with planning permission for sustainable homes set in its iconic gardens near the Downs.
Since Bristol Zoo Gardens first opened its gates to the public in 1836 it has welcomed more than 90 million visitors.
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Over the years, it has helped to save around 175 species from extinction through its conservation work in the UK and across the world.
The zoo is planning a series of special celebration events ahead of its closure to the public.
They will include days when visitors will be able to share their memories of the zoo and wander around its award-winning grounds.
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Bristol Zoological Society Chief Executive Dr Justin Morris said: “Bristol Zoo Gardens is a special place for so many people and we want to give them a chance to come, to see our animals and the gardens and to talk about their memories.”
The dates for the special events, which will take place this summer, will be revealed in the coming weeks.
But this is not the end of the story for this world famous, 186-year-old site.
After Bristol Zoo Gardens closes to the public and, following planning permission, parts will be developed for much-needed housing and the gardens will open to the public free of charge for the first time in their history.
There will also be a children’s play area and the theatre building on the main lawn will be retained for cultural and education talks, workshops and seasonal events.
Much-loved buildings such as the Monkey Temple will also remain.
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The iconic zoo entrance will become the Clifton Conservation Hub with a public café and exhibition space. It will also become the home of the Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project.
Dr Morris said: “This is our legacy. Our way of guaranteeing that people throughout the Bristol area will still be able to enjoy the gardens for generations to come.
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“They will remain an important destination for people to visit and enjoy.”
Students will also continue to attend lectures at Bristol Zoo Gardens’ Conservation Education Centre until teaching moves to the new Bristol Zoo.
Money from the sale of the site will help pay for the development of the new Bristol Zoo which will be built at the Society’s Wild Place Project and is due to open in 2024.
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The new Bristol Zoo will have conservation, education and sustainability at its heart.
Throughout that time Wild Place Project, near junction 17 of the M5 Motorway, will continue to welcome visitors as usual.
The zoo at Clifton will close to the public on September 3, 2022, meaning that people can still visit throughout the summer for the final time.
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