It was the oldest zoo in the world to be opened by a scientific society (the Bristol, Clifton and West of England Zoological Society).
The zoo was the first in the world to successfully breed a black rhinoceros in captivity in 1958.
It was the birthplace of the first gorilla born in the UK, named 'Sebastian', in 1971.
The zoo site hosted the filming of several classic British television programs, including the series 'Animal Magic' with Johnny Morris.
The grounds contained a unique Grade II listed building known as the Monkey Temple, which was repurposed from a Victorian stable block.
Bristol Zoo Gardens in Clifton officially closed its gates to the public in September 2022 after 186 years of operation. The site is currently undergoing a multi-year redevelopment project to transform the historical grounds into residential housing and public parkland. The zoo's animal collection was relocated to the Bristol Zoo Project, formerly known as the Wild Place Project, located at a different site on the outskirts of Bristol. The original Clifton site served as the world's fifth oldest zoo and was renowned for its intensive breeding programs, notably for gorillas. All visitor facilities, animal exhibits, and botanical displays at the College Road address have been permanently decommissioned. The site is no longer functioning as a zoo or a tourist attraction for wildlife viewing.
The external boundary wall and Victorian entrance gates on College Road remain as historical markers.
Do not travel to the College Road address expecting to see live animals or an open zoo.
Visit the Bristol Zoo Project near Cribbs Causeway if you wish to see the zoo's relocated animal collections.
Check the official Bristol Zoological Society website for updates on the public parkland expected to open at the Clifton site in the future.
Do not attempt to access the site, as it is a private construction zone.
Permanently closed to the public since September 2022.
