Bristol Zoo closes its doors after 186 years because of Covid
Yet another lockdown victim: Bristol Zoo – the home of TV favourite Animal Magic – closes its doors after 186 years because of plunging visitor numbers caused by Covid restrictions
- Bristol Zoo Gardens has been open for 186 years on the edge of Clifton Downs
- The society has said they were ‘forced’ to sell due to pandemic restrictions
- More than 90 million people have visited the zoo since it opened in 1836
The world’s oldest provincial zoo will shut down its main centre tomorrow due to the impact of the pandemic and lockdowns.
Bristol Zoo Gardens, which has been open for 186 years on the edge of Clifton Downs, will be turned into sustainable homes, with the Bristol Zoological Society saying their ‘hands were forced’.
The society said: ‘For many years, Bristol Zoo Gardens has faced various challenges. Namely, declining visitor numbers, the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and the challenges of meeting the changing needs of the animals.’
The Bristol Zoological Society said their ‘hands were forced’ due to the pandemic and national lockdowns
The zoo has been open for 186 years on the edge of Clifton Downs (pictured)
A new zoo will be built and is expected to open in 2024 off the M5 north of Bristol, using the proceeds of the sale.
According to the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquarium, 24 zoos were at risk of closing due to the third national lockdown.
The sector has however recovered, with vistor levels now returning to pre-pandemic levels.
More than 90 million people have visited the zoo since it has been open, and has housed famous residents such as Roger, the first black rhino born in the UK, and Alfred the gorilla.
More than 90 million people have visited the zoo since it has been open, and a new site is expected to open at a different location in 2024 with proceeds made from the sale
Jo Judge, of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, said education and conservation were at the heart of zoos and their work.
She said: ‘A modern zoo has to be first and foremost a conservation organisation.
Modern zoos do a huge amount of work both in terms of conservation and research that could not be carried out with animals in the wild.’
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