Bristol Zoo Gardens

A visit to Bristol Zoo Gardens is a trip to an amazing world of animals, all set within award winning 12 acre gardens. Meet over 450 species of exotic, endangered and just plain cute animals from the four corners of the globe.

Last spring the Zoo revealed its new Explorers’ Creek exhibit with three exciting areas. The first is ‘Splash’, a water-play area with streams, dams and the chance to get your toes wet. Next, follow in the footsteps of jungle explorers as you enter ‘Forest of Birds’, before coming to a clearing in the woods where you can feed nectar to colourful lorikeets at the ‘Feed the Lorikeets’ exhibit (small charge applies for nectar).

Elsewhere you can visit the primates in Monkey Jungle, stroll through the lemur garden or come face to face with penguins and seals at Seal and Penguin Coast. Some of the Zoo’s other favourites include Gorilla Island, Asiatic lions, Twilight World, an Aquarium, Reptile house, Bug World and the new Butterfly Forest.

If that’s not enough why not take in an animal show, join an expert talk, or pit yourself against the best of the animal world with the Zoolymipcs trail?

During the summer months the Zoo also hosts fantastic music and open-air theatre events. Don’t miss the annual family festival, ‘Boogie for Brizzle,’ in July! This family-friendly event features some of the best local talent plus quality from farther afield. Fabulous live music, stunning street theatre, mind-blowing dance, plenty of kids’ activities & special surprises await on the only night of the year the entire Zoo stays open late.

The Zoo’s 12-acre grounds are blooming with colour and all walkways are easily accessible and wheelchair friendly. The landscaped gardens are always popular with visitors and there are plenty of benches for visitors to sit and relax surrounded by trees, plants, colourful bedding and borders.

Click to view the Zoo's latest video clips (opens in new window).

For more information visit www.bristolzoo.org.uk (opens in new window) or call 0117 974 7300.

GROUP VISITORS:

Groups can get up-close to lemurs, butterflies and bats in the Zoo’s walk-through exhibits and feed small colourful parrots by hand. Watch free-flying birds of prey and meet Colin the lemur, Archie the armadillo and Rocky the raccoon in the daily Amazing Animals displays, or book a guided “Walk and Talk” to find out more about the Zoo’s history and conservation. Make sure you swing by the gibbons on the Zoo’s aerial ropes course, ZooRopia, – it’s not to be missed - and afterwards settle your nerves with tea and cake in the café.

During 2010 the Zoo is taking part in the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB), to highlight the importance of conserving the world’s biological diversity. Bristol Zoo is involved with field conservation projects across the world, as well as breeding programmes in the UK and Europe, and is well placed to help raise awareness of environmental issues. Look out for special events and activities supporting the IYB throughout the year, including the annual festival “Boogie for Brizzle” which takes place in July.

Coach groups receive a warm welcome at Bristol Zoo, with a discount of around 30% on entry. There is also a free entry ticket for the group organiser. With coach drop-off and pick-up points at the Zoo, and parking nearby with a refreshment vehicle, coach drivers will also find it an easy and enjoyable visit.