Bristol Zoo ProjectBristol Zoo Project HomeBristol Zoo Project Home
Book
Give
Silverback western lowland gorilla

African Forest

Step beneath the trees of a brand new forest habitat at Bristol Zoo Project, home to magnificent threatened species.

As well as Bristol's much-loved family of gorillas, this immersive new space will be home to cherry-crowned mangabeys, African grey parrots, slender-snouted crocodiles and several species of rare freshwater fish.

Young gorilla eating out of a firehose with green foliage behind
A close up shot of a cherry-crowned mangabey
Three African grey parrots perched on branches inside a cage, with grey feathers and red tail feathers, looking to the left.

Support threatened species

All of the animals living in African Forest are threatened in the wild.

As a conservation charity, we work across four continents to preserve habitats and save wildlife. By visiting African Forest, you are supporting species in the wild and in our zoo.

African Forest FAQs

When will African Forest open to the public?

African Forest will open in spring 2026. The opening date will be revealed early in 2026.

When will tickets be released?

Tickets to visit African Forest will be released early in 2026.

What animals will live in African Forest?

African Forest will be home to threatened species including Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas, Endangered cherry-crowned mangabeys, Endangered African grey parrots, Critically Endangered slender-snouted crocodiles and several species of African freshwater fish.

When will the gorillas move over from the Bristol Zoo Gardens site?

We will be moving the gorilla troop over to their new home when the build is finished, which we anticipate to be early 2026.

What new play areas will African Forest have?

African Forest will have several new play areas, including gorilla and parrot nests, a giant crocodile mouth, a fallen forest and mangabey balance beams.

There'll also be a space for forest bathing, where we encourage visitors to lie down and look up at the tree canopy.

African Forest updates

Young gorilla eating out of a firehose with green foliage behind

What is happening with the gorillas at Bristol Zoo Gardens?

As you may have seen online, we have been dealing with break ins at the old Bristol Zoo Gardens (BZG) site, where our gorilla troop remain cared for by their keepers until their new home is ready at Bristol Zoo Project.

Three African grey parrots perched on branches inside a cage, with grey feathers and red tail feathers, looking to the left.

The illegal trafficking of African grey parrots

African grey parrots are one of the most popular pet birds in the world, with over 1.3 million having been illegally snatched and exported within the past 40 years.