Gorillas Still Trapped in Closed Bristol Zoo After Three Years

A troop of animals has been living in an empty zoo, three years after it officially closed to the public. Bristol Zoo, which shut its doors in 2022, still houses its western lowland gorillas while they await relocation to a new, larger home.

Trespassers recently filmed the gorillas peering from their indoor enclosure, sparking public concern and viral outrage online. The individual who shared the clip described the scene as “heartbreaking,” claiming there was “no security” at the Clifton site. In response, the zoo stated that security has since been reinforced following several break-ins, which put both people and the gorillas at risk.

Bristol Zoo explained that the gorillas are cared for by their regular team and have continued their normal routines, with access to outdoor space and temperature-controlled indoor habitats. The zoo’s Conservation director, Brian Zimmerman, emphasized that each intrusion causes distress to the troop, despite ongoing efforts to protect their welfare.

The primates are scheduled to move soon to the new Bristol Zoo Project, where their African forest habitat will be more than four times the size of their current space. Wildlife charity Born Free has previously criticized the situation, saying such “intelligent, sentient” animals deserve better conditions.

While the Bristol Zoological Society insists the gorillas’ health and safety remain its top priority, the controversy highlights the ongoing tension between Conservation goals and captivity. As public scrutiny grows, one thing is clear: our treatment of wildlife reflects how seriously we take our duty to protect life on this planet.

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