From 1900 to closure - Bristol Zoo through the years in 16 fascinating pictures
We look back on the history of the zoo, which closed in September last year.
One of Bristol’s most treasured institutions that has stood in Clifton for almost 200 years was lost last year.
Bristol Zoo shut its gates for the final time on Saturday, September 3 at 5.30pm before the attraction will move to its Wild Place Project in South Gloucestershire next year.
The Bristol Zoological Society, which looks after and owns the attraction, revealed it took a hit during the pandemic and to safeguard the future of the zoo and its conservation work made the difficult decision to leave.
Plus, its animals need more space - something Wild Place with its 50 acres of land is better equipped to provide.
In order to generate vital income for the new zoo, Bristol Zoo Gardens is set to be redeveloped into housing and could also open to the public for free for the first time. You can read about that here, but for now let’s take a look at these nostalgic pictures of Bristol Zoo over the decades.
1. Zebi rules the roost
Zebi, the zoo’s famous elephant, lived at the site from 1868 to 1909. ‘She was quite a character, renowned for removing and eating straw hats!’
2. Family friendly
A family stroll around Bristol Zoo Gardens in the early 1900s.
3. Sunday best
Edwardians enjoy a fete at the zoo, complete with stalls and carousel.
4. Grand day out
Visitors gather around an elephant on the lawn in the early 1900s.