FAQs

To mark the start of our journey to becoming a modern, conservation zoo, we have changed the name of our site.

‘Bristol Zoo Project’ reflects our past and our future. The name was chosen with the help of members, supporters, visitors, staff and volunteers.

There are exciting changes ahead. Construction starts in 2024 and like all good projects, we are united by a common purpose, to save wildlife together through a new kind of zoo.

Bristol Zoo Gardens closed to the public in summer 2022. We are developing a new zoo at Bristol Zoo Project (formerly Wild Place Project), where 80% of our species will be threatened and linked to our conservation work around the globe.

This means not all the animals from Bristol Zoo Gardens will move to Bristol Zoo Project. Animals that aren’t threatened, such as the fur seals, have been found new homes at other zoos and aquariums as part of well-established, cooperative breeding programmes.

Some animals, such as our gorilla troop and our blue-eyed black lemurs, will be moving to Bristol Zoo Project once their enclosures are built. You can find out more about our Strategy.

We accept cash at admissions, visitor information and in the gift shop; however, all of our catering units are card only and do not accept cash.

UPDATE: For the summer holidays our food outlets will be accepting cash.

Unfortunately, we do not. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.

A disabled adult or child can bring one carer with them free of charge when they pay full adult/child price. This ticket must be booked in advance. Evidence of eligibility will be requested, which may include a Blue Badge, carers emergency card, an IEP or letter from the LEA/DLA, or a letter from a medical professional on NHS headed paper. If a disabled adult or child requires two carers to accompany them they will both be admitted free of charge with evidence of eligibility.

If you have a gift voucher for admissions, there's no need to prebook a slot online. Just turn up and show your gift voucher to our staff at the entrance.

If you are a member of Paignton Zoo, Chester Zoo, Twycross Zoo, Newquay Zoo, Woburn Safari Park, Marwell Zoo, Edinburgh Zoo (RZSS) & Highland Wildlife Park, Colchester Zoo or Belfast Zoo, you are entitled to one free visit per year to Bristol Zoo Project.

You do not need to prebook, simply turn up on the day with your membership card for free entry.

We ask that you arrive within your booked arrival time. Once on site, you can stay as long as you wish until closure.

Bristol Zoo Project closes at 4pm. Last entry to the Zoo and Bear Wood is at 3pm.

Yes, you can! Memberships directly contribute towards our conservation work, and becoming a member gives you access to lots of exclusive benefits. You can also buy gift memberships. Find out more on our membership page.

Due to the number of enquiries we receive, and the need for our team to welcome and manage visitors on site, we are currently unable to move bookings to an alternative date or time.

Our tickets are non-refundable. We are confident that you can have a wonderful time, whatever the weather!

Unfortunately Camp Baboon will not reopen as there was not enough demand. Our focus now is Bristol Zoo Project and the exciting changes ahead.

We will soon be launching our new range of animal experiences for 2024. Keep an eye on our website and socials for updates!

We receive a high number of requests for raffle tickets each month and unfortunately can’t give tickets to everyone. If you want to apply for them, please complete an application form and send it to supporters@bzsociety.org.uk.

Bristol Zoological Society is a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Approved Centre for Zoological Medicine. Established in 1999, the on-site veterinary department currently consists of the Head of Veterinary Services Michelle Barrows, Veterinary Resident Charlotte Day, part-time Staff Vets Richard Saunders and Sara Shopland, part-time Veterinary Nurse Helen Harris and full-time Veterinary Nurse Teresa Horspool.

In May 2022, the decision was made that the veterinary externship will NOT run during the transition period to the BZP site due to our existing commitment to final year students from Bristol Veterinary School.

We understand this will be disappointing for those of you hoping to apply for the next few years.

Any updates will be posted here.

Thank you for contacting us and please bear with us as our teams are very busy. We will be in contact as soon as we can, and in the meantime thank you for your patience and understanding.

Please email the team on info@bzsociety.org.uk with your query and contact details, and we will come back to you as soon as we can.