Bristol Zoo, Zoo in Clifton, Bristol, England
Bristol Zoo was a zoological garden covering roughly five hectares in the Clifton area of Bristol, England. The site was divided into themed zones such as Zona Brazil for South American species, Seal and Penguin Coasts for marine mammals and penguins, and Gorilla Island, where visitors could experience primates in naturalistic enclosures.
The garden opened its gates in 1836, becoming the fifth oldest zoological institution worldwide and the oldest zoo outside a capital city. After 186 years, operations ended in September 2022 when the society decided to move its activities to a new location.
The concept of the Twilight Zone originated here as the world's first facility of its kind, allowing visitors to observe nocturnal animals during their natural activity. This innovation later shaped similar institutions around the globe and changed how people could experience reptiles, insects, and other light-shy species.
The facility closed its operations in September 2022 and the Bristol Zoological Society moved its activities to the Wild Place Project outside the city. The new site opened its gates in early 2024 and offers visitors a different concept on a larger ground.
The institution recorded notable breeding successes and brought the first black rhinoceros born in Britain into the world. Later, the first chimpanzee born in Europe was also registered here, highlighting the role of the garden in international breeding coordination.
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