Armed Police Escort Gorillas During Historic Bristol Zoo Relocation
Armed police officers were deployed to escort a convoy of lorries and vans carrying critically endangered western lowland gorillas from the former Bristol Zoo site in Clifton to their new purpose-built home at Easter Compton. The dramatic scene unfolded on Wednesday afternoon as the country's leading large wild animal transportation firm, JCS Livestock, oversaw the carefully planned move.
Final Animals Depart Closed Zoo Site
The eight western lowland gorillas represent the last remaining animals at the Clifton site, which closed its doors to visitors three and a half years ago in September 2022. Despite the closure, dedicated keepers have continued daily care for the gorillas, though occasional break-ins by urban explorers have caused distress to the animals according to zoo officials.
The relocation marks a significant milestone in Bristol Zoological Society's conservation efforts, with the gorillas moving to a state-of-the-art African Forest habitat at the Bristol Zoo Project near junction 17 of the M5 at Cribbs Causeway.
Extensive Planning for Animal Welfare
A spokesperson for Bristol Zoological Society emphasized that the move has been meticulously planned over several weeks to ensure the highest possible animal welfare standards. "The planning for the move of the zoo's troop of Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas is extensive and being overseen by our expert team," the spokesperson stated.
Operational details have been kept confidential to prevent interruptions that might impact the gorillas' welfare. The society plans to share information with supporters, volunteers, and members only after the relocation is complete.
New African Forest Habitat Features
The new habitat, unveiled last month, includes several innovative features designed to encourage natural behaviors:
- An indoor 'gorilla gym' crafted from sustainably sourced Devon oak
- Resting platforms and nests across three indoor areas
- A 'biofloor' of bark chip mulch to promote climbing and nesting behaviors
- Shared space with endangered cherry-crowned mangabeys in a UK zoo first
The African Forest will also house critically endangered slender-snouted crocodiles, endangered African grey parrots, and several extremely threatened species of West African freshwater fish when it opens to the public in spring 2026.
Broader Conservation Context
The gorilla relocation enables the final sale of the Clifton Zoo Gardens site to Acorn Property Group, which plans to build 198 new homes on the former zoo grounds. Proceeds from this sale will fund the expansion of the Bristol Zoo Project in South Gloucestershire, despite ongoing campaigns by local activists seeking to reopen the Clifton site as a zoo.
Bristol Zoological Society overcame a legal challenge last year regarding the housing development plans, clearing the way for this conservation-focused transition. The society emphasizes that the gorillas will have a settling-in period at their new habitat before the public opening next spring, ensuring their comfort in the purpose-built environment designed specifically for their needs.
