Bristol Zoo Project has started work on its new ‘Central African Forest’ habitat for the world’s most endangered species.
Part of Bristol Zoo Project’s plans to become a new conservation zoo, the habitat will house the zoo’s existing troop of critically endangered western lowland gorillas.
The gorillas will be joined by endangered cherry-crowned mangabeys, critically endangered slender-snouted crocodiles, endangered African grey parrots and several extremely threatened species of West African freshwater fish.
‘Central African Forest’ opens in 2025
The first turf has been cut for the new habitat, which opens in spring 2025. The habitat will utilise the wooded area of the zoo’s 136-acre site in South Gloucestershire.
Here, the gorillas and mangabeys will live in an area four and a half times the size of the gorilla troop’s current home at the former Bristol Zoo Gardens.
The Central African Forest will “give our animals the opportunity to live in spaces more closely reflecting their natural habitats” and “help to raise vital awareness of the threats these precious species are facing around the world”, said Justin Morris, chief executive of Bristol Zoological Society.
“Currently, 78 percent of the animals we care for are both threatened, and part of targeted conservation programmes. Our aim is for this to rise to 90 percent of species by 2035,” he said.
The new habitat “is just the beginning”, Morris said. When it’s completed, the zoo will create a new Central African savannah habitat, new visitor facilities, and a conservation campus for students.
“This work will be delivered in phases over the next few years,” Morris said.
Central African Forest is being built by construction company Beard. “We are working closely with Bristol Zoological Society, specialist contractors and all stakeholders to ensure this exciting vision and conservation project is fully realised,” said Matt Cooper, Beard’s Bristol director.
Next month, the zoo will open a new conservation-themed play area called Explorers Basecamp.
Lead image credit: Blackpoint Design
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