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Visitors and staff reflect on “emotional” closure of Bristol Zoo
“We’ve been here several times throughout our lives, as most Bristol residents have, but the reason we are here today so close to the closure is because our mum passed away last year and one of the most significant memories we have, especially photographed, is visiting the zoo with her,” Tom Whitfield told Bristol24/7 beside his sister Henrietta Ingram.
Within a matter of days, the end of an era will be marked as Bristol Zoo will close the doors to its Clifton site for the final time.
The zoo, which has formed part of Bristol life for 186 years, holds precious memories dating back generations for many in our city and beyond.
is needed now More than ever
Its closure on Saturday comes after it was announced in 2020 that the land had to be sold to cover funding shortfalls caused by the pandemic and a fall in visitor numbers.
@bristol247 Bye bye @bristol_zoo ? #bristol #bristol247 #bristolzoo ♬ Home (Option 3 – The Young Ebenezers
Wishing to wave a bittersweet goodbye to the zoo’s famous occupants, including seals, lions, tree kangaroo, meerkats, and Livingstone fruit bats, visitors this week have inundated Bristol Zoo to take a final trip down memory lane.
Tom, a DJ, continued: “We’ve come here specifically because there’s a measurement chart over there (a giraffe and the world’s tallest man) and we’ve got a photo of when I was 10 or 11, about 25 years ago, that we are recreating today.
“We have a cousin that got married here as well so there’s a lot of memories and symbolism here so we wanted to take the chance to come here before it closes.”
The zoo’s closure is an emotional time for many, including zookeepers who have cared for its animals as well as long-standing members of staff.
Simon Garret first arrived at Bristol Zoo for a summer job 30 years ago, painting faces, hosting ‘animal encounter’ sessions and talks and writing and illustrating education packs.
“I am very attached to this place, this is pretty much the only job I’ve ever had. I’ve grown up here and the way I view the world has changed as the zoo has changed,” Garret, now head of public engagement, said.
“I am very proud of the things I’ve been able to do in the zoo and the way we have changed over the years, the kind of conservation and public engagement we do that I am so passionate about.
“I am connected to everything about this place so for me it’s very emotional this last week.”
Garrett said: “I am connected to everything about this place”
Bristol Zoo is the fifth oldest zoo in the world and more than 90m people have visited since it first opened in 1836.
It will close to the public for the last time on Saturday at 5.30pm but, due to soaring demand, will open at 9am on Friday and Saturday.
All photos: Betty Woolerton
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