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Gorillas on the Move: Armed Guards Escort Critically Endangered Species
12 Feb
Summary
- Eight western lowland gorillas are being moved to a new habitat.
- The move is escorted by armed police for security reasons.
- The new habitat, 'African Forest,' opens to the public in spring 2026.
The final residents of the former Bristol Zoo site, a troop of eight critically endangered western lowland gorillas, are undergoing a gradual relocation to a new home. This extensive move is managed by a dedicated expert team from the Bristol Zoological Society to ensure the highest animal welfare standards. The transportation of these significant animals is being conducted under the watchful eye of armed police and specialized livestock transport firms.
The gorillas' new home is a purpose-built 'African Forest' habitat at Easter Compton, near junction 17 of the M5. This habitat, designed with advanced features like an indoor 'gorilla gym' and sustainably sourced oak, is intended to encourage natural behaviors. The African Forest is scheduled to open to the public in spring 2026, with the gorillas' move carefully planned for their acclimatization period prior to the opening.
This transition is a crucial step in the Bristol Zoological Society's ongoing plans to create a new conservation zoo. The Clifton site's closure in September 2022 meant keepers continued to care for the gorillas, who had occasionally been disturbed by 'urban explorers.' The sale of the Clifton site to property developers is contingent upon the gorillas' successful relocation.
