Bristol Zoo Project
The future of Bristol Zoo
For more than 185 years, Bristol Zoological Society has been on the cutting edge of what it means to run a conservation-focused zoo. Given this long history, we feel that we are better placed than most to define what zoos should look like in the 21st century.
We have a unique opportunity at our 136-acre Bristol Zoo Project site to create a new conservation zoo where visitors and animals will be immersed in the natural landscape.
Over the next few years, Bristol Zoological Society will deliver this vision and create an inspiring visitor attraction where eventually 90 percent of species will be both threatened, and part of targeted conservation programmes.
Conservation zoos have a critical role to play in engaging communities and providing unique opportunities for people to connect with wildlife, saving threatened species through dedicated international conservation actions and breeding programmes.
To deliver on this opportunity and support our mission of Saving Wildlife Together, we have sold the West Car Park site in Clifton and are planning to sell our other properties in Clifton, including the former Bristol Zoo Gardens site.
Tip-toe along a winding treetop walkway to explore award-winning Bear Wood. Home to bears, wolves, wolverines and lynx, Bear Wood steps back in time to 10,000 years ago, when these animals roamed the wilds of ancient Britain. Over the winter, when the bears go into torpor (a light form of hibernation) you can watch them snoozing on Bear Cam, on the main walkway of Bear Wood.
Don’t miss the Lemur Walkthrough, where you can get up close to amazing primates, and take a stroll up the raised giraffe walkway where you can see eye-to-eye with nature’s tallest animals.
A programme of animal talks runs daily, wowing kids and adults alike with amazing animal facts.
Kids can go wild in Explorers Basecamp, a new multi-level adventure play area designed for children of all ages, needs, and abilities. This exciting play area features a three-storey play tower with slides, rope jungles, climbing walls, and much more, allowing kids to explore and play all day without time limits.
Rumbling tum? Food options range from light bites to delicious pizzas. Base Camp Pizzeria is open daily, with pizzas prepared by onsite chefs and freshly stone-baked (vegan and gluten-free options available). Check the welcome board on arrival for cafe and pizzeria opening times on the day of your visit. The pizzeria is located just behind the cheetah habitat, so you can spot cheetahs while tucking in.
The zoo runs seasonal events and activities throughout the year. Check here for upcoming events.
Last entry to Bristol Zoo Project and Bear Wood is 3pm
Opening Times
Please check with the venue for the most up-to-date information.- Sunday: 10:00 - 16:00
- Monday: 10:00 - 16:00
- Tuesday: 10:00 - 16:00
- Wednesday: 10:00 - 16:00
- Thursday: 10:00 - 16:00
- Friday: 10:00 - 16:00
- Saturday: 10:00 - 16:00
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