Posted on: 11 March, 2025
Our troop of Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas from Bristol Zoo Gardens will live alongside Endangered cherry-crowned mangabeys in one habitat, in a UK first. The gorillas will be moving into their new home in late summer 2025, and after a settling in period, will be joined by the mangabeys and carefully integrated by our expert keepers.
We have acquired a group of Endangered African grey parrots, who have been rescued from the illegal pet trade and are unable to be returned to the wild. They are currently living off show but will be moved to their new aviary once ready later this year. We are also in the process of acquiring a pair of Critically Endangered slender-snouted crocodiles, which we hope will go on and breed to secure the future of their species. They will be joined in their new underwater viewing area by several extremely threatened species of West African freshwater fish.
The structural steel frame has been completed for both the gorilla and mangabey house and classroom, and the crocodile and parrot house. Service installation is continuing to progress, with trenching for power and data services completed to the site boundary. Water trenching across the site continues and is due to be completed by the spring.
Parts of the gorilla moat have now been excavated, with pre-cast concrete plinths installed to form the moat walls. The moat installation has been phased to allow for vehicles to access the construction site without compacting areas that are due to be landscaped as part of the habitat. At 6 meters wide and 2 meters deep, the moat will form a natural barrier between visitors and the animals.
In February, we launched our public fundraising appeal, aiming to raise £100,000. The appeal will run until spring 2026 and will help fund the African Forest area. Supporters are able to donate, buy a plaque, sponsor a tree, and fundraise for us by participating in challenge events!
If you have any questions or would like any further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch via email at supporters@bzsociety.org.uk.
