Bristols work with the Lord Howe Island stick insect :
Bristol Zoo Gardens leads global fight to save rare stick insects | Bristol Zoo
Bristol Zoo Gardens leads global fight to save rare stick insects | Bristol Zoo
Bristol Zoo (Closed) Bristol Zoo News 2022
- Thread starter vogelcommando
- Start date
LHISI has a very interesting conservation backstory. But if you go to the Zoo you probably won't see these insects, at least not the adults(see below). They are displayed in a small glass tank but being nocturnal they are usually hidden in a little wooden box in the tank, during the daytime. Last visit I was lucky enough to finally see one(inactive) hiding behind the box rather than in it. The adults are very impressive beasts.
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I saw one adult jammed down outside the box the first time I went but since that I've only seen glimpses of adults. As of my last visit on 27th December, however, there was a smaller tank next the main one in which the bright green nymphs can be seen easily (if not photographed..!).
There's a video showing the nymphs too, that I saw the other day, I hadn't realised the colour changes before that. Then the little wooden box is featured, and is opened to reveal adults inside. I guess displaying the nymphs is their answer to the problem.
took me several attempts to get a glimpse of an adult in Oct 2021!
Depending on your mode of transport, it's very possible to do both in a day, certainly in summer - they're only a 15min drive apart.
The nocturnal house and bird house have now closed at Bristol, sadly (I made a hastily-arranged visit over Christmas to 'say goodbye'..!) - but currently the zoo still has a decent amount to see - the Reptile and Invertebrate Houses and Aquarium are still going and very good, plus there are species like Livingstone's Fruit Bat and South American Fur Seal. What it is very hard to say right now is whether this will still be the case in May - officially the remaining houses are all staying open to the end now but there's no guarantee they'll be as well-stocked as currently.
Wild Place has the advantage that it is more predictable (and very good!) - but also you've got many more years to visit that site - so it probably comes down to your personal priorities.
Good news on the zoo heritage front - the Monkey Temple, Eagle Aviary, and Bear Pit/Aquarium have been listed, so will need to be retained under any future plans for the site (alongside the two entrances and the Giraffe (Gorilla) House):
Historic Zoological buildings at Bristol Zoo Gardens will be protected for the future | Bristol Zoo
Historic Zoological buildings at Bristol Zoo Gardens will be protected for the future | Bristol Zoo
So, what does this say about future use of the site when the zoo is gone? What about the plans for housing and use of the parklands as a preserve? What next?
It is all fine by cultural heritage standards and all, if it is not accompanied by public money spending on it .... What benefit to any future use and planning for the area. It is a dead in the water project without teeth (I have much experience of cultural heritage zoos at home and it is a complex project to bring to completion) without public support for what comes next and officialdom being involved. Most of the time they are seriously out of the picture when it comes to spending ... cash.
New year's resolutions and words by the CEO Justin Morris on Bristol Zoo and Wild Place future zoo project.
SOURCE: Moving ever closer to a new Bristol Zoo | Bristol Zoo
I do hope we can see some developments getting under way this year at Wild Place. Dr. Morris alludes to this in the above ....
BTW: They do mention a new amphibian / reptile and fish aquarium project for Wild Place in 2024!
SOURCE: Moving ever closer to a new Bristol Zoo | Bristol Zoo
I do hope we can see some developments getting under way this year at Wild Place. Dr. Morris alludes to this in the above ....
BTW: They do mention a new amphibian / reptile and fish aquarium project for Wild Place in 2024!
The zoo say they actively asked for the buildings to be assessed, so presumably it's factored in to their plans. There was always the intention to retain space around the new buildings and the general layout of the site so I'd be surprised if it made a major difference overall.
Both zoos will be closed for the day on next Tuesday, 25 January so they “can meet with all our staff to discuss key plans as part of our ‘Strategy to 2035’ programme of works, including the impact of closing Bristol Zoo Gardens in autumn 2022 and creating a new Bristol Zoo (due to open in 2024) at our Wild Place Project site”.
I don’t know if anything will be made public but it’s an interesting milestone as the final move approaches.
Everyonelovesatapir
Active Member
Bristol Zoo is my local Zoo and last went before Xmas. Got to admit I'm going to miss it when it's gone. Does anyone know what's happened to the animals in the Twilight World now its closed? Have they been moved to different Zoos or are they simply now off show? Does anyone know if thy plan to have a Nocturnal House at Wild Place?
Some wonderful news. Gorilla Kukena (Jock's daughter) has had a baby in Madrid.
Everyonelovesatapir
Active Member
Just been confirmed on BBC Radio Bristol that the Zoo will close on the 3rd of September.
I am personally very saddened, as it feels like all of my memories are slowly being destroyed. As a Child my Nan would take me to Cricket St Thomas's and Bristol Zoo nearly every holiday and despite it being small, it has always been close to my heart. I understand people feeling the need to see the Zoo progress to Wild Place but this really is sad news for the City of Bristol.
I remember seeing Bears, both Brown and Polar at Bristol Zoo and their reptile house, and twilight world have always been personal favourites.
The structures and gardens at Bristol are also very unique and its a shame its being turned into more luxury homes which already flood the City and has made Bristol become a ever more expensive place to live.
For the people of Bristol, Wild Place really isn't a positive move. The Public Transport links to it are non existent and if you have the misfortune of having a disability then the place is a complete no go. No real paths, cobbles for an entrance and only one disabled toilet at the whole facility.
Wild Place is so awkward to get to if you rely on public transport, that I personally feel the closure of Bristol Zoo will dent the owners. Many people like that Bristol Zoo is small, there are good talks, the animals are always very accessible and they have a number of species which you don't get such good viewing of in many City Zoos. What's more upsetting about the closure is if you visit now, it feels like its already closed. There are no decent maps or guide books anymore, the refreshments have gone downhill, and the place is just packed with vending machines. Loads of empty exhibits and one of Bristol's gems is now closed to the public.
The fact the new zoo will not open until Spring 2024 as the new revamped Zoo, means that for 18 months roughly there will be a big hole in the market.
I personally prefer going to Noah's Ark Zoo Farm than Wild Place.
If you are a family who relies on Public Transport, the closure of Bristol Zoo is like a dagger to the heart. I sincerely hope Bristol Zoo wake up and see how Wild Place is not family friendly, wheelchair friendly and also has zero public transport links and does something about it before they open themselves up as the new Bristol Zoo in 2024.
I guess part of me was hoping that the City Zoo would have always stayed open in some capacity to serve the City of Bristol, but it feels like the locals and the tourists have been completely forgotten and alienated.
I am personally very saddened, as it feels like all of my memories are slowly being destroyed. As a Child my Nan would take me to Cricket St Thomas's and Bristol Zoo nearly every holiday and despite it being small, it has always been close to my heart. I understand people feeling the need to see the Zoo progress to Wild Place but this really is sad news for the City of Bristol.
I remember seeing Bears, both Brown and Polar at Bristol Zoo and their reptile house, and twilight world have always been personal favourites.
The structures and gardens at Bristol are also very unique and its a shame its being turned into more luxury homes which already flood the City and has made Bristol become a ever more expensive place to live.
For the people of Bristol, Wild Place really isn't a positive move. The Public Transport links to it are non existent and if you have the misfortune of having a disability then the place is a complete no go. No real paths, cobbles for an entrance and only one disabled toilet at the whole facility.
Wild Place is so awkward to get to if you rely on public transport, that I personally feel the closure of Bristol Zoo will dent the owners. Many people like that Bristol Zoo is small, there are good talks, the animals are always very accessible and they have a number of species which you don't get such good viewing of in many City Zoos. What's more upsetting about the closure is if you visit now, it feels like its already closed. There are no decent maps or guide books anymore, the refreshments have gone downhill, and the place is just packed with vending machines. Loads of empty exhibits and one of Bristol's gems is now closed to the public.
The fact the new zoo will not open until Spring 2024 as the new revamped Zoo, means that for 18 months roughly there will be a big hole in the market.
I personally prefer going to Noah's Ark Zoo Farm than Wild Place.
If you are a family who relies on Public Transport, the closure of Bristol Zoo is like a dagger to the heart. I sincerely hope Bristol Zoo wake up and see how Wild Place is not family friendly, wheelchair friendly and also has zero public transport links and does something about it before they open themselves up as the new Bristol Zoo in 2024.
I guess part of me was hoping that the City Zoo would have always stayed open in some capacity to serve the City of Bristol, but it feels like the locals and the tourists have been completely forgotten and alienated.
Here is the statement on the zoo's website
According to that announcement:
So it appears there won't be a long period of closure between the old zoo closing and the new one opening.
Could it be that the new zoo location will be more accessible both in terms of disabled access and public transport as the site is developed? This isn’t happening overnight for a reason after all.
I suggest you contact the zoo to let them know your concerns, which are valid, and ask what their accessibility strategies are. Sustainability is listed as one of their key values so I wouldn’t assume that improved facilities and new public transport links won’t be a priority.
I understand that people will grieve and that is a legitimate response. But as I have previously said, this is a pragmatic and imaginative approach which, all things considered, is the best option for the institution, for the animals and for people.
According to that announcement:
So it appears there won't be a long period of closure between the old zoo closing and the new one opening.
Could it be that the new zoo location will be more accessible both in terms of disabled access and public transport as the site is developed? This isn’t happening overnight for a reason after all.
I suggest you contact the zoo to let them know your concerns, which are valid, and ask what their accessibility strategies are. Sustainability is listed as one of their key values so I wouldn’t assume that improved facilities and new public transport links won’t be a priority.
I understand that people will grieve and that is a legitimate response. But as I have previously said, this is a pragmatic and imaginative approach which, all things considered, is the best option for the institution, for the animals and for people.
I feel you are making a few really poignant and spot on statements that the Zoological Society needs to take to heart as ATM The Wild Place is not that wild (other than that facilities are minimal and public access and transport far from easy).
My assumption is that if Bristol zoo management remain on the path for opening in Spring 2024 that is too little too late and they are in danger of losing clientele to Noahs Ark Farm - whatever you think of that place -.
I personally feel they need to start investing in new enclosures and exhibits and open 2+ exhibits at WP this summer or autumn at least and this starting with some high profile species like gorillas and lions or tigers.
Everyonelovesatapir
Active Member
@Shirokuma Whilst I appreciate 18 months (sept 22 - March 24) may not seem long for many people, it is 1 Summer Holiday, 1 Easter Holiday, 2 Christmas Holidays and around 6 Half Terms. Ten opportunities missed for families who rely on Public Transport. I live 19 miles from Wild Place. In order to go by Public Transport it takes nearly 2 and a half hours. It takes just over an hour to get to Bristol Zoo and slightly less to Noahs Ark. For Wild Place, I also have to walk from Cribbs along a busy main road and then across a roundabout.
Wild Place really should have a shuttle from the City Centre, but they don't. Now I am not talking just for when they open in 2024, I am talking from when Bristol Zoo closes in September, otherwise it becomes fundamentally impossible to go there by Public Transport. Further still I don't recall how long Wild Place has been open for, but its at least 7 years by my memory and in that time, they have done nothing for disabled people, pushchairs despite many many revamps of areas. I appreciate that is likely to change for when they open as the new Bristol Zoo, but believe me many a people have complained or written or contacted Wild Place in regards to this and the response has always been the same, we are working hard to address this.
Bristol since Covid have cut right back on Public Transport except trains, the bus system except in town has gone downhill massively. If you live in the villages on the outskirts of Bristol you are lucky if its one bus every 2 hours.
I am sure the lovely millionaire homes being built will be sold and it will improve the image of Clifton Downs but in the last 7 years Bristol Zoo through Wild Place have made it an incredibly hard place to visit, yet the plan is to make it a major attraction. If Bristol Zoo want to improve the transport links, they will need to be self funded, as thats the way our County Council work sadly. Given its just off the motorway, makes it a car owners dream, but not everyone, and there's a lot of young families in Bristol who love the current zoo who rely on Public Transport can visit an attraction which really does not serve the City at all.
Wild Place really should have a shuttle from the City Centre, but they don't. Now I am not talking just for when they open in 2024, I am talking from when Bristol Zoo closes in September, otherwise it becomes fundamentally impossible to go there by Public Transport. Further still I don't recall how long Wild Place has been open for, but its at least 7 years by my memory and in that time, they have done nothing for disabled people, pushchairs despite many many revamps of areas. I appreciate that is likely to change for when they open as the new Bristol Zoo, but believe me many a people have complained or written or contacted Wild Place in regards to this and the response has always been the same, we are working hard to address this.
Bristol since Covid have cut right back on Public Transport except trains, the bus system except in town has gone downhill massively. If you live in the villages on the outskirts of Bristol you are lucky if its one bus every 2 hours.
I am sure the lovely millionaire homes being built will be sold and it will improve the image of Clifton Downs but in the last 7 years Bristol Zoo through Wild Place have made it an incredibly hard place to visit, yet the plan is to make it a major attraction. If Bristol Zoo want to improve the transport links, they will need to be self funded, as thats the way our County Council work sadly. Given its just off the motorway, makes it a car owners dream, but not everyone, and there's a lot of young families in Bristol who love the current zoo who rely on Public Transport can visit an attraction which really does not serve the City at all.
All I can say is that my points are still valid. We don't know what the public transport situation will be following the closure of the Clifton site. You can catastrophise and complain about theoretical scenarios or you can get involved, continue to express your concerns to the zoo and council and hopefully find out in more detail what their plans are. According to you they have said they are working hard to address this and hopefully that is indeed the case.
For what it's worth, the Wild Place website states:
As for the housing, this isn't a magic wand to solve a housing crisis but it is a pragmatic use of the site and, crucially, a way to achieve funding for a move which might not otherwise by viable. Their plan is 62 homes, which includes 20% affordable housing. That might not be ideal for you, or for me, but it's not like an affordable housing estate is being knocked down and its residents displaced for luxury housing as sometimes happens elsewhere. This is creating housing from scratch which would otherwise not be there at all.
For what it's worth, the Wild Place website states:
As for the housing, this isn't a magic wand to solve a housing crisis but it is a pragmatic use of the site and, crucially, a way to achieve funding for a move which might not otherwise by viable. Their plan is 62 homes, which includes 20% affordable housing. That might not be ideal for you, or for me, but it's not like an affordable housing estate is being knocked down and its residents displaced for luxury housing as sometimes happens elsewhere. This is creating housing from scratch which would otherwise not be there at all.