Work begins on new Central African Forest habitat for world’s most threatened species

Ambitious plans to create a new conservation zoo at Bristol Zoo Project have moved a major step forward as work begins to build a new Central African Forest habitat for the world’s most endangered species.

The first turf has been cut for the new habitat, which will see the much-anticipated arrival next year of our existing troop of Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas. They will be joined by Endangered cherry-crowned mangabeys in a UK zoo first for the two species.

Central African Forest will also become home to Critically Endangered slender-snouted crocodiles, Endangered African grey parrots and several extremely threatened species of West African freshwater fish, which visitors will be able to see in a special underwater viewing area.

When the habitat opens in spring 2026*, the gorillas and mangabeys will be living in an area four and a half times the size of the gorilla troop’s current home at the former Bristol Zoo Gardens.

*Read the latest update on Central African Forest.

Central African Forest will make the most of the wooded area of the zoo’s 136-acre site. It has been designed to evoke a sense of the dense forest and landscape of Equatorial Guinea, where we run one of our largest conservation projects focused on gorillas and other threatened forest species.

Justin Morris, Chief Executive of Bristol Zoological Society, said: “This is an incredibly exciting moment for us and a significant milestone in our vision to create a modern conservation zoo at Bristol Zoo Project. Central African Forest will see us create a new environment that will not only give our animals the opportunity to live in spaces more closely reflecting their natural habitats, it will also help to raise vital awareness of the threats these precious species are facing around the world.

“Currently, 78% of the animals we care for are both threatened, and part of targeted conservation programmes. Our aim is for this to rise to 90% of species by 2035.

“We have ambitious plans for the future, and this is just the beginning. Following the completion of CAF, we will also be creating a new Central African Savannah habitat, new visitor facilities and a Conservation Campus for students studying to become conservationists. This work will be delivered in phases over the next few years. We hope our visitors, partners and supporters will join us on this journey.”

Central African Forest is being built by award-winning construction company Beard, which has worked closely with the Society and specialist contractors throughout the design process to ensure the habitat meets the requirements of each species.

Matt Cooper, Beard’s Bristol Director, said: “It is a real privilege for Beard to be chosen to design and build this unique habitat which will deliver a conservation first in a UK zoo. An opportunity for us to showcase more than 130 years of experience in delivering complex and cutting-edge spaces.

“We are working closely with Bristol Zoological Society, specialist contractors and all stakeholders to ensure this exciting vision and conservation project is fully realised. The Society shares our ethos of building with ambition, and we look forward to working with them and all parties throughout this one-of-a-kind project.”

Construction forms part of the first phase of plans to build a new conservation zoo at Bristol Zoo Project, which is located near J17 of the M5. It will be delivered over the next few years.

The second habitat, Central African Savannah, will become home to black rhino and red-necked ostrich, joining the zoo’s existing giraffe, zebra and cheetah.

In addition, a new Conservation Campus will be built, which will include conservation, veterinary medicine, animal breeding and learning centres. It will provide teaching facilities for more than 600 higher education students each year and help the Society to engage with 90,000 school children.