The centrepiece of Bristol Zoo Gardens’ summer celebrations has been revealed. The huge moving gorilla made of wood will sit on the main lawn from July 21 to mark the final weeks of the Clifton visitor attraction.
The giant feature is taller than the largest giraffe ever recorded, and as wide as three king size beds. Clad in sustainable wood, the installation is sure to captivate visitors of all ages with surprise movements and motions throughout the day, as the female gorilla ‘Wilder’ ‘eats’ lettuce.
Weighing more than four tonnes, the sculpture has been made from 180 square metres of local yew, cedar, pine and oak, donated by Westonbirt Arboretum. As the gorilla presides majestically over proceedings, families will also have the chance to immerse themselves in a fun interactive theatrical experience especially written for the final summer.
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Donning animal eared headphones, families will be taken on a shared adventure, as a cast of performers help them explore and learn about animals, and the positive action we can all take to save wildlife together. Part silent disco, part storytelling adventure, the show has been inspired by the next chapter of Bristol Zoo’s story and encourages children to get wild themselves with dancing, games and lots of fun for the whole family.
The BIG Summer Send-Off will also feature a Past, Present and Future outdoor exhibition on Bristol Zoo Gardens’ historic top terrace. Running along the main parade, the exhibition will include poems, pictures and heartfelt words to create a history of the zoo made by its visitors.
Simon Garrett, Head of Public Engagement for Bristol Zoological Society, said: “We’re hugely excited to share details of this exciting arrival at the Zoo, in addition to all the amazing events we have planned for our final summer. We know that the Zoo and its animals have played an important role in the lives of many – it is amazing to think that we have welcomed over 90 million visitors.”
The team behind the impressive installation is Bakehouse Factory. A multi-award-winning theatrical events company in Bristol, it is also organising and managing the Zoo’s Big Summer Send-Off programme.
Kate Statham, managing director, Bakehouse Factory said: “The whole Bakehouse team is absolutely thrilled to be working with Bristol Zoo to mark this monumental event. And what better way to do it than by creating something truly monumental?
“From costume makers to scenic artists, scriptwriters to woodworkers - everyone here is playing a massive part in making this a summer to remember!”
Visitors will be able to experience the BIG Summer Send-Off, which runs from July 21 to the Bristol Zoo Gardens’ last day of opening to the public on September 3, by purchasing standard entry tickets. The family theatre show, Into The Wild, will require an additional ticket purchase of just £5 each to cover the hire of a headset.
Other activities which form part of the final celebrations are The Zoo and You Poetry and Story Competition, The Wall of Memories and Live Legacy Art.
Bristol Zoo Gardens will be open to the public until it closes on 3 September 2022, before the new Bristol Zoo opens at Wild Place Project. Throughout that period, Wild Place Project will continue to welcome visitors as usual.
Tickets for the BIG Summer Send-Off and the theatre show are now available to purchase on Bristol Zoo Gardens' website www.bristolzoo.org.uk.
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