"I am firmly of the opinion that Bristol Zoo can be reopened to continue to serve its community and conservation as a thriving, animal facility fit for the 21st century."

Douglas M Richardson - International Zoo Consultant

Long Term Key Ideas: Bristol Zoo 200

Save Bristol Zoo Gardens, in collaboration with industry experts, including ex-Bristol Zoo staff who have an unprecedented knowledge of the site, has unveiled a bold new vision for the future of Bristol Zoo Gardens. Our proposal outlines a practical roadmap to reopen the site as a 21st-century conservation zoo, tailored specifically for its historic Clifton home. By returning the zoo to the heart of the city, we can safeguard the legacy of both Bristol Zoo Gardens and Bristol Zoological Society and once again create a vibrant hub for education, discovery and wonder for generations to come.

It is envisioned that a 12-month schedule from confirmation of the reversion to a two-site strategy will be feasible to deliver the re-opening of Bristol Zoo Gardens. From then, this plan offers a considered, sustainable, yet ambitious path forward as the Society approaches its 200th anniversary in 2036.

Whilst we haven't published all of our financial workings, this plan is fully costed.

Bristol: Right Time - Right Place

• According to ‘Visit Britain’, in 2023, (the most recently available data) 12 of the top 20 paid-for visitor attractions in the Southwest were either zoos or gardens/estates with gardens.
• According to ‘Visit Britain’, in 2023, 8 of the top 20 paid-for visitor attractions in England were either zoos or gardens/estates with gardens.
• Bristol is a thriving metropolitan city and considered one of the best cities to live in the UK. There would be a significant market for a reborn and wonderful zoological garden in this city, as the data proves there was for the past two centuries. 
   

Zoo Fit for the Future

Bristol Zoo Gardens is not suitable for large zoo animals and expansive exhibits. However, it only ceases to work as a zoo if you are narrow-minded about what a "zoo of the future" could be. There never needed to be a choice between Bristol Zoological Society’s two sites. The Society was—and still is—in the privileged position of being able to run two contrasting and complementary sites to maximise its visitors, income, and, consequently, conservation outcomes.

Bristol Zoo Gardens is Small, But It Is Mighty

The conservation success of Bristol Zoo Gardens was enormous despite its comparatively small size. Many of the Society’s conservation successes were with small species which were ideally suited to a small site.

The Future of Zoos

The Bristol Zoo Gardens site provides an opportunity to weave play and interpretive spaces amongst animal habitats and exhibits. This approach puts ‘story’ at the heart of the attraction; stories should not be limited to species, but rather encompass whole ecosystems and habitats. In a modern zoo, animals are part of the overall story, but they do not necessarily need to be the main event. These new ‘narrative environments’ are the future for zoos. 

Garden Restoration

By removing older structures and complicated exhibit spaces and infrastructure, the site can be opened up, and the gardens will be restored. Under this proposal, over one acre of the existing site will be returned to gardens. The provision of beautifully curated landscaped areas is integral to the vision and no trees will be felled.

Animal Collection Plan

Small species with big stories have been selected for inclusion in the collection plan and most species will be threatened. While some larger species exhibit spaces will be retained, the overall focus will shift to smaller and often overlooked animals.

Endorsements

"The opportunity here is real: not just to preserve a historic site, but to reinvent it. With the foundations still in place and a clear, proven model to follow, the question is no longer if a new zoo can happen on this site, it’s why wouldn’t we?"

Joseph Allotey: Bristol Zoological Society Head of Facilities, 2009–2022 & Head of Operations at Wild Place Project, 2013-2014

"Bristol Zoo Gardens was not just a zoo. It was, and still is, a magical place, an employer, and a tourist destination. It remains relevant in terms of conservation and education as it is ideally placed to give a holistic view of the natural world. This role is more important now than ever, especially in its urban environment, which is why it requires new management with a positive vision. It is wonderful to see emerging plans for a new Bristol Zoo Gardens. I feel that it must be saved, to benefit future generations of Bristolians and raise awareness of the wonder of the natural world. I look forward to visiting when it reopens." 

Eddie Mole: Bristol Zoological Society Ex-Head of Horticulture, 1996-2020

"You have been fed a pack of lies over the last five years. No other zoo would close their main site. I can only hope that the madness stops, the current leadership steps down and makes way for others who have the vision and sense to embrace this better future."

Toby Sandman: Bristol Zoological Society Senior Keeper, 2004-2022