Historic gorilla relocation completed at Bristol Zoo Project
Eight gorillas moved to new natural habitat as part of conservation efforts
Bristol Zoological Society has completed the largest gorilla relocation ever undertaken in the UK, successfully moving eight gorillas to their new home at the Bristol Zoo Project.
This complex operation involved more than 40 specialists, including vets, animal keepers, relocation experts, and armed police, ensuring the famous gorilla troop's careful transition over two meticulously planned days following months of preparation.
The move is a key part of the Society's plan to evolve from its 186-year-old Victorian inner-city zoo into the Bristol Zoo Project, featuring larger, natural habitats and aiming for over 90% of its species to be threatened and part of focused conservation programmes.
African Forest Habitat
Set within a local British woodland, the African Forest habitat 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 Critically Endangered West African freshwater fish species.
For the first time, visitors will witness western lowland gorillas living under a tree canopy, offering a glimpse into their natural environment akin to the wilds of Equatorial Guinea, where the zoo's conservation teams work.
Justin Morris, Chief Executive at Bristol Zoo Project, said: “Bristol Zoo Project is not a typical zoo. It is a conservation project with a powerful mission to protect threatened species and habitats.”