News / Bristol Zoo Gardens
Security stepped up at former zoo after becoming target for break-ins
Bristol Zoo Gardens has stepped up security of its Clifton site, following a number of break-ins.
The break-ins have been particularly alarming to the team as the site still houses some of its animals that are awaiting new homes.
The team drew particular emphasis to the gorillas which currently reside at the Clifton site. They are yet to move into their new enclosure, the African Forest habitat at Bristol Zoo Project which is currently under construction.
is needed now More than ever
The enclosure will not be ready until the summer.
In a video posted to their social media, Bristol Zoo Project said: “Unfortunately, due to false information circulating online, we’ve had a few break-ins recently that we’ve been dealing with.
“Due to these break-ins we have stepped up security on site here at BZG.”
The zoo hasn’t commented on what false information has been circulated.
View this post on Instagram
Despite successfully preventing the intruders from getting near the animals, they were keen to emphasis that the stress of the intrusion is still harmful to the animals.
“Every time somebody steps into the zoo grounds, the alarm goes off, which is quite loud and that is actually really distressing to the gorillas.
“In human terms, its like someone snooping around a family home outside.”
Gorillas like the four-years-old brothers Hasani and Juni, or the elderly Jock, who is 41-years-old and the oldest Silverback Gorilla in the UK, are more vulnerable to stressors.
“We’ve had issues immediately after the break-ins the next day, doing basic husbandry routines because Jock in particular is so tired that he just doesn’t want to move.”
They’ve asked for people to spread the news that this happening in the hopes of preventing further break-ins.
“Central African Forest will not only give our animals a space that closely mirrors their natural habitats but also raise awareness about the threats these species face globally,” said Dr Justin Morris, chief executive of Bristol Zoological Society – photo: Bristol Zoo Project
In a comment to Bristol24/7, Hannah Windross, director of people and public engagement, Bristol Zoological Society said: “Since July 2024 our former Bristol Zoo Gardens site has been targeted by trespassers on several occasions.
“This has resulted in videos and misinformation being spread on social media.
“Unfortunately, each time the videos are reshared we experience new break-ins at the site, where our Critically Endangered western lowland gorilla troop is being cared for by our expert keepers.
“We take these incidents seriously. The care and welfare of our animals is always our top priority.
“Our experienced keepers and dedicated welfare team have continued to care for the gorillas since the closure of Bristol Zoo Gardens, just as they did when the site was open to the public.
“We hope our supporters will help us raise awareness of the harm these continued break-ins are causing to our animals and combat misleading information that the site is empty.”
Main photo: Holly Lambert
Read next:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
