Bristol Zoo

Bristol Zoo Gardens is more than just a zoo. Made of three distinct parts (Bristol Zoo Gardens, The Bristol Conservations and Science Foundation and The National Wildlife Conservation Park), the zoo works with governments and non-governmental organisations to support a variety of field conservation projects – both in the UK and Overseas.

Bristol Zoo aims to make a significant contribution to the conservation of wildlife in its natural habitat as well as increase the capacity of the Zoo and project partners to undertake conservation activities where appropriate
In recent years the Zoo has developed its educational and scientific roles. Full-time education and science officers are employed and great emphasis is placed on activities, which help both to educate the public and conserve wildlife.

Many species have been successfully bred at Bristol Zoo Gardens over the years; the first chimpanzee to be conceived and born in captivity in Europe was Adam at Bristol Zoo in 1934. Other notable past successes include western lowland gorillas, polar bears, okapis and pancake tortoises. Today breeding is coordinated using the international studbook system and European breeding programmes. The zoo has played a part in breeding numerous endangered species including Asiatic lions, and in 1999 Livingstone's fruit bats were bred at the zoo, which was the first successful breeding in mainland UK. Bristol Zoo has also successfully bred and reintroduced two native species - the Barberry carpet moth and the water vole.

For more information on Bristol Zoological Gardens please visit their website- www.bristolzoo.org.uk