Bristol Zoo's Gorillas Prepare for Relocation Amid Controversy

Bristol Zoo's former Clifton site, which closed to the public in 2022, has recently been the focus of controversy following the emergence of a viral video showing gorillas banging on enclosure windows. Urban explorers, who broke into the site, accused the zoo of concealing information about the animals' welfare, prompting public concern and criticism. Bristol Zoo has clarified that the gorillas were not abandoned; they were being cared for by staff while preparations for their new habitat were underway.

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Preparations are currently in progress for the relocation of eight Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas to a new habitat at the Bristol Zoo Project. This new enclosure, dubbed the 'African Forest,' is designed to replicate the gorillas' natural environment and is significantly larger than their previous space. The relocation process is being meticulously planned to ensure the animals' welfare, with a spokesperson from the Bristol Zoological Society stating that the move will take several weeks and the exact date will not be disclosed to minimize disruption.

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Bristol Zoo has emphasized that the gorillas are receiving continuous care and that their routine remains unchanged despite the closure of the Clifton site. The zoo's representatives have expressed concern over the misleading narratives circulating on social media, which have led to increased break-ins and distress for the gorillas. A spokesperson stated, "Each time this content is shared, it encourages more break-ins, causing distress to our gorillas." They also highlighted the emotional toll on staff, revealing that some received death threats due to misunderstandings about the situation.

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Critics of the zoo's management have pointed to the viral video as evidence of negligence, arguing that it raises serious questions about animal welfare. The urban explorers involved in the incident have accused the zoo of a cover-up, claiming that the animals were being hidden from public view. However, Bristol Zoo has countered these claims by asserting that the gorillas are being well cared for and that the closure of the site is temporary, pending the completion of their new habitat.

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The new 'African Forest' habitat is expected to open to the public in spring 2023, providing a more expansive and enriched environment for the gorillas. As the relocation process unfolds, Bristol Zoo aims to keep the public informed about the gorillas' well-being and the completion of their new home.

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• “The planning for the move of the zoo’s troop of Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas is extensive and being overseen by the expert team at Bristol Zoological Society to ensure the highest possible animal welfare.” — Bristol Zoological Society Spokesperson

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• “She was getting death threats from people who did not understand that we were looking after our gorillas, who did not understand that we were focusing on animal welfare.” — Hannah Windross, Director of People and Public Engagement at Bristol Zoo

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• “Unfortunately, each time this content is reshared we experience further break-ins at the site, which is extremely distressing for our Critically Endangered western lowland gorilla troop," a statement from Bristol Zoological Society, a charity which manages the zoo, said last year.” — Bristol Zoological Society Statement

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The situation surrounding the Bristol Zoo gorillas highlights the complexities of animal welfare, public perception, and the impact of social media on conservation efforts.

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