Posted on: 30 January, 2025
Today, we are announcing that we have exchanged sale contracts on the former zoo site in Clifton, with independent housebuilder Acorn Property Group.
At the same time, we are making it clear to our supporters that while this is a major step forward, the relentless campaign of legal challenges and misinformation that we are being forced to defend, led by those against our plans to close the old site and develop a new zoo at Bristol Zoo Project, are preventing us from receiving the vital funds from the sale.
The Judicial Review due to be heard in May this year, two years after the original planning permission for Bristol Zoo Gardens was approved, is the latest in a series of legal threats brought against the Society, costing thousands of pounds of charitable funds.
These actions are slowing down the creation of a new zoo at Bristol Zoo Project, impacting our ability to carry out vital conservation work, and undermining the amazing efforts of our staff and volunteers.
The Society remains committed to its vision and will continue to fundraise to generate the remaining funds needed to complete the new zoo and maintain our conservation work around the world. With this in mind, we are excited to be opening the new African Forest habitat at Bristol Zoo Project in spring next year. However, at the same time, we are being forced to reduce budgets and delay improvements to other visitor facilities.
Justin Morris, Chief Executive of Bristol Zoological Society, said: “We are a conservation and education charity trying to save and protect the world’s most threatened species, and yet those against our plans continue to put our future conservation work in doubt.
“The move to Bristol Zoo Project has always been about our vision for what we think a zoo should be. The new zoo will allow us to improve animal welfare, in larger natural habitats, and focus our resources on animals that really need our help. The gorilla and mangabey habitat will be four and a half times larger than their home at the old site in Clifton.
“To be clear, we will not be reopening Bristol Zoo Gardens as a zoo in any capacity. In the five years since we announced its closure, not one viable alternative plan has ever been put forward to us, with the finances to back it up.
“Before taking the decision to sell the site, we took extensive expert advice. Now, we have exchanged sale contracts with an independent developer. Acorn Property Group is committed to delivering the new homes and public space in Clifton, ensuring the gardens remain open to the public free of charge, for the first time in their 186-year history.
“Of the homes to be built, 20% will be affordable and the site will also offer a new public park, café and playground. The iconic zoo entrance building will also become the Clifton Conservation Hub – a public café, exhibition space, education and meeting spaces.”
More information on our strategy can be found below!
