Bristol Zoo in Clifton was one of Bristol’s most treasured institutions for almost 200 years.
When it controversially closed in 2022, it had welcomed some 90 million visitors since it opened in 1836.
Bristol Zoo Gardens is now set to be redeveloped into housing, while some of the animals from the old zoo are now at The Wild Place Project in South Gloucestershire.
But for many Bristolians, a summer trip to the beautiful Clifton zoo and gardens was something to look forward to each year and it’s still greatly missed by families.
Let’s take a look at some nostalgic pictures of Bristol Zoo over the decades.
1. Bristol Zoo over a hundred years ago. Let’s take a look at the site through the ages.
Bristol Zoo
2. 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!’ | Bristol Zoo
3. Family friendly
A family stroll around Bristol Zoo Gardens in the early 1900s. | Bristol Zoo
4. Sunday best
Edwardians enjoy a fete at the zoo, complete with stalls and carousel. | Bristol Zoo