Brilliant Bristol Zoo has all the ingredients for an amazing family day out.
Since it first opened its doors to a fascinated Victorian clientele in 1836, Bristol Zoo, or Bristol Zoo Gardens to give it its full name, has had a long tradition of enthralling guests with its animal residents. Visitors of a certain age will recall it as the location for the hugely popular 1960s kids’ TV show Animal Magic. These days, Bristol Zoo has animal welfare and conservation at the forefront of its ethos and counts the first black rhino born in Britain, the first squirrel monkey born in captivity and the first chimpanzee born in Europe among its breeding firsts.
Admire the Animals
With hundreds of species to admire, Bristol zoo animals are a diverse bunch. One highlight is the Seal & Penguin Coasts area where critically endangered African penguins and South American fur seals enjoy making a splash in the water. Another must-visit exhibit is the family of eight western lowland gorillas, whose most recent addition, Afia, was born by a rare emergency caesarean section in February 2016. The two magnificent Asiatic lion brothers Kamran and Ketan represent only 350 left in the wild, and Lady Hilary and Chota, the zoo’s two red pandas, score high in the cute stakes.
Safari-Style Accommodation
For a fantastic safari-style experience without having to leave the country, you can now book in to The Lodge, the zoo’s luxury safari lodge accommodation where you can stay overnight and dine in style thanks to the services of your own personal chef. Not only that, you get behind-the-scenes access to the zoo after all the day trippers have left for the day, including the chance to feed the animals and have breakfast with the gorillas. Alternatively there is no shortage of hotels near Bristol Zoo if you decide to enjoy an extended stay in Bristol, including the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel, which offers a stay in four-star Victorian splendour just two miles away.
Extra Experiences
One of the best features at Bristol Zoo is Zooropia, a unique adventure ropes course, where not only do visitors aged 5 and over get to traverse the exciting adventure ropes course above the zoo, they get a bird’s eye view of the park’s 17 sections of tree dwelling animals. There is also a daily programme of talks and feeds including the Asiatic Lions talk, the Lemur talk and feed, and the always popular Gorilla talk and feed. Added to that, the zoo hosts plenty of special events and experiences including sunset special openings in the summer and the chance to be a keeper for the day. You can even get married at Bristol Zoo in the elegant Clifton Pavilion in the zoo’s gardens.
Fantastic Facilities
Bristol’s location in the pretty Clifton area of the city means it’s easily accessible by all modes of transport. It’s always a good idea to plan ahead and save money and queuing time by buying your tickets online in advance. Bring a picnic to have on the lawn or treat yourself to lunch at the Coral Café or one of the zoo’s other eateries where the emphasis is on family-friendly fare made from sustainable ingredients. Maps, first aid and wheelchair hire are readily available, and there is a baby changing room as well as a changing table in most toilets.
Saving our Wildlife
The price of admission to Bristol Zoo includes a donation that supports the fantastic international breeding programmes the zoo is part of. This money also supports the important conservation projects in the wild that the zoo is involved in, in 15 countries around the world. Also, if a particular animal at the zoo tugs at your heartstrings, you can always help wildlife by adopting your furry friend. In return you’ll get two tickets to the zoo, a cuddly toy, fact file, adoption certificate and your name displayed as one of the adoptees at the exhibit.
