Duke of Edinburgh visits Bristol Zoo ahead of gorilla habitat opening
Yesterday (March 17), His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh made a special visit to Bristol Zoo Project ahead of the public opening of the site’s major new African Forest habitat on April 1.
The Duke has been Patron of Bristol Zoological Society since 2013, and during his visit went behind the scenes at Bristol Zoo Project and met volunteers, conservationists and animal keepers.
His Royal Highness’ visit forms part of the zoo’s efforts to help the animals settle into their new woodland home and visitors. Small groups of guests are being gradually welcomed to the habitat starting with just 10 visitors at a time and over a month, increasing to 2,000 members.
Throughout this process, expert teams from Bristol Zoological Society will closely monitor the animals’ behaviour and welfare to ensure they remain comfortable and thriving in their new environment.
During the visit, a tribute was paid to Jock, the troop’s much-loved silverback gorilla, who sadly passed away just two weeks after moving to the new home.
The African Forest is home to some of the world’s most threatened species, including Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas, Endangered cherry-crowned mangabeys, Critically Endangered slender-snouted crocodiles, Endangered African grey parrots, and several extremely threatened species of West African freshwater fish.
The new habitat is the first to have been completed as part of the long-term development of Bristol Zoo Project, to create modern conservation zoo fit for the 21st century.
Justin Morris, Chief Executive of Bristol Zoological Society, said: “The opening of African Forest marks a significant step in our vision for Bristol Zoo Project.
“Bristol Zoo Project is not a typical zoo. It is a conservation project with a powerful mission to protect threatened species and habitats.
“Rather than traditional enclosures, the site is being developed as an immersive conservation zoo, where visitors experience large, naturalistic habitats designed around the needs of wildlife.
“One of the most exciting features of African Forest is the opportunity to witness the unique interactions between species that share the same habitats in the wild.
“It’s their world on your doorstep.”
The new habitat, African Forest, opens to the public on April 1. To book tickets and for more information, click here.