‘A Life Among the Trees’: Bristol Zoo’s Gorillas Move Out of Town to New Woodland Home [UK 2026]

Seven western lowland gorillas from Bristol Zoo have successfully moved to a beautiful new woodland habitat just five miles away from their old city zoo.

The gorillas are now settling into their spacious African Forest enclosure at the Bristol Zoo Project in South Gloucestershire. The new home features tall trees, natural climbing structures, and a rich forest environment designed to give them a more natural way of life

Exploring Their New Home

Keepers say the gorillas are clearly enjoying their new surroundings. One keeper described the move beautifully: “We’ve offered them a life among the trees here. They literally disappear into the trees.”

Five-year-old male Hasani was one of the first to confidently explore the area, quickly climbing high into the branches. The adult females have also been showing their excellent tree-climbing skills.

The new enclosure is around four and a half times larger than their previous home and offers much more complexity, with horse chestnut trees, hawthorn, and plenty of space to roam and play.

A Positive Step for Conservation

This relocation is part of Bristol Zoological Society’s long-term plan to provide better, more natural habitats for their animals. The African Forest area is inspired by the forests of Equatorial Guinea, where the society supports important conservation work for this critically endangered species.

The old Bristol Zoo Gardens in Clifton closed to the public in 2022, and animals have been gradually moving to the larger Bristol Zoo Project site. The gorillas are among the major groups now enjoying the improved facilities.

Visitors will be able to see the gorillas in their new woodland home soon, once the troop has fully settled in.

This heartwarming development has been warmly welcomed by animal lovers across the UK.

What do you think? Would you like to visit the gorillas in their new “life among the trees” home at the Bristol Zoo Project? Share your views in the comments below.

FAQs

Q1. Where have the Bristol Zoo gorillas moved to? They have moved to the Bristol Zoo Project in South Gloucestershire, about five miles from the old Bristol Zoo Gardens.

Q2. What is special about the new gorilla habitat? It is a large woodland area called African Forest, offering tall trees and a natural environment for climbing and exploration.

Q3. How many gorillas have been relocated? Seven western lowland gorillas have moved to the new enclosure.

Q4. When can the public see the gorillas at the new site? The zoo is currently giving the gorillas time to settle in. Public viewing details will be announced soon.

Q5. Why was the move made? To provide the gorillas with a larger, more natural, and enriching habitat that supports their wellbeing and conservation efforts.