Bristol Zoo is inviting the public to celebrate the long, rich and varied history of its iconic visitor attraction ahead of the closure of the Clifton site in September. For two days at the start of the May half-term, visitors are invited to delve through the archives and explore rarely seen historical artefacts from the Zoo’s 185-year history.
Most of the collection, called ‘The Zoo and You, Memory Show and Tell’, features old relics, photographs, film footage, signage and records. Much of it has not been shown in public for decades.
The special history weekend will also be an opportunity for the public to share their own personal keepsakes, and favourite memories, moments and stories that span generations. Throughout the weekend a programme of talks will take place to share the history of the iconic site.
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The talks will reawaken old memories and inform new visitors about the important role Bristol Zoo Gardens has played in the evolution of public zoos and its world-renowned conservation work. The event is the first in a series of special celebration events, activities and attractions that are being planned for the next few months to mark this closing chapter for the Clifton venue.
Items on display include a selection of official guidebooks dating back to 1903, matchboxes and souvenirs from the 1930s and the cast of Alfred the Gorilla's death mask from 1948. There are also souvenir cards showing Rosie the elephant giving rides to children, circa 1938-1960.
Simon Garrett, head of public engagement, said: “This year marks such a significant milestone in Bristol Zoo’s incredible story. As we move towards the closure of the Clifton site, it’s important that we mark and celebrate the 185-year history of this famous attraction, and look to the future of the new Bristol Zoo.
“Within our archive rooms, we’ve uncovered and dusted off treasures and thanks to the help of the team at Bristol Culture, we’re excited to reveal some hidden gems that shine a light on the zoo’s history.
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“We hope seeing these items will bring back fond memories for visitors, who have enjoyed many a day out at the zoo, and look forward to reminiscing with them during our Memory Show and Tell event.”
Bristol Zoo Gardens is the fifth oldest zoo in the world. Since opening its gates to the public in 1836, it has been home to tens of thousands of animals and earned international acclaim for its conservation breeding programmes.
Over the years, generations of visitors have experienced the magic of this iconic site and been introduced to many, much-loved animals that have lived within the 12-acre landmark. Among them were Zebi the Asian elephant, who arrived in 1868 and became renowned for removing and eating straw hats.
Rajah, who replaced Zebi, gave rides to children for many years. Rosie the elephant was also very popular, and many local people have fond memories of rides on her during the 1940s and 1950s.
Roger, a rare black rhino, was the first black rhino ever born in the UK, in 1958. The Zoo’s more recent elephants, Wendy and Christina, were known for being taken for walks to Whiteladies Road during the 1960s.
Arguably Bristol Zoo Gardens’ most famous resident was Alfred the gorilla, who lived at the zoo from 1930 to 1948. He was, at the time, the only gorilla in captivity in the country and was a very popular Bristol citizen. Now his taxidermic form stands in the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery.
The zoo will close to the public on September 3, before the new Bristol Zoo opens at Wild Place Project in 2024. Throughout that period, Wild Place Project will continue to welcome visitors as usual.
The Zoo and You, Memory Show and Tell exhibition will be at Bristol Zoo Gardens on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29, from 10am-5pm.
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