If there was ever a more apt time to use the phrase 'end of an era' - it would be for the closure of Bristol Zoo Gardens. As the people of Bristol brace themselves for the final few days, it's sure to be an emotional farewell from the famous Clifton site.
A Bristol institution since 1836, it's been the home to tens of thousands of animals over the years and has helped to save around 175 species from extinction through its conservation work across the globe. And as the fifth oldest zoo in the world, the site has welcomed more than 90 million visitors throughout its history.
Some may remember resident elephants, Wendy and Christina, who were known for being taken for walks to Whiteladies Road during the 1960s. Roger, a rare black rhino, was the first of his species ever born in the UK in 1958.
Read more: Relive the days with our charming picture collection
One of the most famous residents was Alfred the gorilla, who lived at the zoo between 1930 and 1948. He was, at the time, the only gorilla in captivity in the country and he now stands in the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery as a taxidermy statue.
Why is Bristol Zoo Gardens closing?
Bristol Zoo Gardens announced its closure in February, and while its last day will be held on Saturday (September 3), the Wild Place Project will remain open as usual to visitors while the new Bristol Zoo is constructed. The 12-acre Clifton site is due to be sold with planning permission for sustainable homes set in its iconic gardens near the Downs.
After it 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 events, while much-loved buildings such as the Monkey Temple will also remain.
The zoo has said some animals, such as the gorillas and red pandas, will remain on site until their enclosures are built at the Wild Place Project site. 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, due to open in 2024.
What is there to see?
The occasion is marked by a huge, moving sculpture of Wilder the Gorilla, who eats lettuce and is taller than the largest giraffe ever recorded.
As expected, there will be many animals to see in the enclosures including gorillas, red pandas, African penguins and meerkats.
The zoo is hosting its BIG Summer Send-Off featuring a Past, Present and Future outdoor exhibition, which will include poems, pictures and memories shared by its visitors. There is also a family-orientated Into The Wild theatre show, a singalong for children to learn about the animals.
Are there tickets still available?
There are still remaining tickets for Bristol Zoo Gardens' final week in Clifton. A limited number of tickets are available at timeslots each day - the zoo asks visitors to bring their booking confirmation number and show this to the team at admissions.
The zoo advises that visitors should book tickets in advance for its final week to avoid disappointment. These are available in half-hour intervals, which means you must arrive within the given timeframe on the ticket - i.e. 10.30am to 10.59am - otherwise you will be turned away.
Bristol Zoo has extended its opening hours to meet demands, starting from 9am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday this week to allow more visitors to say their goodbyes.
How to get to Bristol Zoo
Visitors have been encouraged to use sustainable modes of transport where possible, especially as car parks have been busy during the final weeks. Those who travel to the zoo sustainably can benefit from a 33 per cent discount on their entry tickets - more information on this is below.
Car
There are two car parks for those travelling by car. Parking is limited and we cannot guarantee you a space. There is a £5 charge for visitors and a £3 charge for Members.
The zoo operates a cash-free site and payments must be made by card. There is also limited on-street parking nearby and within walking distance of the Zoo, which is free on weekends and Bank holidays.
Bus
The First Bus number 8 runs between Temple Meads Station, the city centre and the zoo while the Bristol Community Transport 505 service runs between Long Ashton Park and Ride and Southmead Hospital. First Bus is currently inviting families of up to five individuals to travel for £10.
Train
There is a local train service to Clifton Downs Station which is a ten-minute walk away from the zoo.
Bike
The site has ample space for bikes to be stored for those seeking more eco-friendly modes of transport this week.
Visitors will still be required to pre-purchase and pre-book and show proof of sustainable travel at admissions on arrival to validate the ticket discount. To claim your sustainable transport discount, use the promo code SUSTRAVBZG330 at checkout. This discount cannot be claimed retrospectively, so please purchase your tickets carefully.
Up next:
