Bristol Zoological Society is auctioning off more than 300 items of memorabilia from the former Bristol Zoo Gardens in Clifton.
The items up for grabs range from original zoo signage to animal sculptures, statues and Victorian benches.
Among them is a 1949 bronze bust of the zoo’s famous gorilla resident, Alfred, with a guide price of £5,000 to £8,000.
But in BristolWorld comments, readers have expressed concern about the auction.
“Some of this stuff should be going to Bristol Museum or the M Shed, not sold off to the highest bidder,” wrote Pandy Andythwaite.
“The bust of Alfred should be transferred to the new site, in my opinion, as he was always associated with the zoo,” added Maureen Hepper.
“Surely the gorilla stuff should be kept; a small museum should be set up to remember how it was 50-plus years ago,” said Andrea Shore.
The zoo says all the money raised will help fund the creation of a new conservation zoo at the Bristol Zoo Project near J17 of the M5, as well as the charity’s conservation work.
Justin Morris, chief executive of Bristol Zoological Society, said: “We know the former Bristol Zoo Gardens holds a special place in the hearts of so many people who visited or who were associated with it in some way, which is why we have taken our time to ensure any items of particular historical or sentimental value were preserved.
“With the launch of these auctions we hope people will take the opportunity to join us in celebrating our long history while also helping to fund the future, by securing their own piece of the gardens.”
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But not all readers are supportive of the idea.
“I think they should make a little museum at the Bristol Zoo Project. Why sell off part of their history? Seems a weird thing to do,” wrote Sara Young.
“All that history just being given away - it’s such a great shame and a disgrace to Bristol Zoo,” added Paul Bryant.
1. Bristol Zoo Gardens auction items
More than 300 items from Bristol Zoo's history have gone up for auction to fund its new site. | Bristol Zoological Society
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2. 1949 bronze Alfred bust (£5,000 to £8,000)
The original bronze bust of the iconic Bristol Zoo Gardens' gorilla 'Alfred', which was displayed around the site in several locations over the decades. | Bristol Zoological Society
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3. Early zoo enamel sign (£3,000 to £5,000)
An original Edwardian c1910s / 1920s enamel advertising sign, possibly an early AA tourist sign, and likely from Temple Meads Train Station advertising 'The Clifton Zoo - Book To Clifton Down Station - Beautiful Grounds & Lake, Magnificent Collection Of Animals, Birds & Reptiles - Bands, Carnivals & Fetes', with admission noted as one shilling. | Bristol Zoological Society
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4. Lion's roar 'face in the hole' sign (£100 to £200)
An original 'face in the hole' sign from Bristol Zoo Gardens, originally situated near the lion enclosure at the entrance to the zoo. | Bristol Zoological Society