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BZS unveils new plan to safeguard its future

27/11/2020

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BZS unveils new plan to safeguard its future

Bristol Zoological Society has unveiled plans to relocate Bristol Zoo to its Wild Place Project site to create a world-class zoo and to safeguard the future of the organisation.

Wild Place Project and Bristol Zoo Gardens closure

It is with great sadness that we have to announce the temporary closure of both Wild Place Project and Bristol Zoo Gardens for a second time.

BZS Receive Funds to Help Critically Endangered Lemurs

Conservation scientists from Bristol Zoological Society have been given funding for more research to help save critically endangered lemurs in the wild

Animals get an early taste of Halloween

Our animals got an early taste of Halloween when they were given specially carved pumpkins.

Access and Adventure for All at Wild Place Project

Everyone can experience a wild adventure at Wild Place Project!

Bristol Zoological Society forced to make staff redundant

Bristol Zoological Society has announced that a number of posts are at risk of being made redundant due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Outdoor Climbing Centre is Back Up and Thriving

Leap of Faith at Wild Place Project is thriving despite the lockdown

‘We’re Good to Go’ at Wild Place Project!

We are delighted to announce that Visit Britain – the UK’s national tourism agency – has given Wild Place Project the ‘We’re Good to Go’ accreditation.

New Conservation Director for Bristol Zoological Society

An international expert on fish and aquatics has been appointed Director of Conservation and Science.

New Lynx Kittens Named at Wild Place Project

Our two lynx kittens have been named – thanks to members of the public

Lemurs’ love of chocolate is a step towards their survival

Endangered lemurs have discovered a liking for chocolate and it may help safeguard their future.

Help name our new lynx kittens!

Keepers are calling on the public to help name our kittens!

Our Marvellous Wolverines!

As part of our week-long celebration of Bear Wood’s first anniversary, we’re shining the spotlight on our wonderful wolverines!

The Bears of Bear Wood

As we celebrate a year since Bear Wood opened, we’re putting a spotlight on the European brown bears that call the woodland home.

Wild Place Project Celebrates First Anniversary of Bear Wood

Our staff are celebrating the first anniversary of opening Bear Wood, home to brown bears, wolves, lynx and wolverine

Our wolves; A big pack of playful!

Our wolves have been on site long before the opening of Bear Wood.

Wild Place Project Celebrates 7 Years of Wild Adventures

Would you believe it? It’s 7 years since we first opened Wild Place Project!

But do lynxes meow or roar?

But do lynxes meow or roar?

Birds, Bugs and Bears: Going Native in Bear Wood

One year after opening to the public, Bear Wood is bursting with native species!

Lynx kittens born at Wild Place Project

This is the first glimpse of our newborn lynx kitten!

BZS welcome additional funding but is disappointed by limits

Bristol Zoological Society welcomes additional funding for zoos but is disappointed by the likely limits of the scheme

Bears and wolves live side by side in UK First for Zoos

Our European brown bears and grey wolves have begun living side by side together for the first time in a UK Zoo

It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for!

We are delighted to announce that Wild Place Project has reopened on Friday 19 June!

Baby Zebra born at Wild Place Project

A baby zebra has been born at Wild Place Project helping to safeguard the future of this near threatened species.

Bristol Zoological Society welcomes reopening news

Bristol Zoological Society today (Wed) welcomed the government announcement which means zoos across the UK can start planning to reopen.

Our Appeal for Urgent Review of Government Enforced Closure

We have issued a stark warning that Bristol Zoological Society may not recover from the effects of an enforced closure imposed by the government.

Bear Wood wins major award

Bear Wood, the biggest and newest brown bear attraction in the country. has won a top award.

A critically endangered lemur has been born

The tiny Lake Aloatra gentle lemur is smaller than a tennis ball but its birth is crucial to the survival of this rare species.

Amazing camera trap footage shows secret life of the lynx

Beautiful images of a lynx have been caught on a newly-installed camera

Dik Dik birthday celebrations at Wild Place Project

Keepers at Wild Place Project have celebrated the birthday of one of the world’s smallest species of antelopes.

Bristol Zoological Society launches vital appeal

Bristol Zoological Society has today launched an appeal to ensure the future of its work saving wildlife with the support of the general public.

Double birthday celebration for local lemurs

Our lemurs at Wild Place Project and Bristol Zoo Gardens are celebrating!

Animals bask in sunshine as keepers continue their care

Our animals are loving the sun!

Bristol Zoological Society announces temporary closure

We are temporarily closing Wild Place Project from March 20

We are deeply saddened to announce that Zak, one of three zebra has died.

Bear Wood shortlisted for national award

Our new British ancient woodland exhibit has been shortlisted for a national conservation award.

Why BZS Supports Ecological Emergency Declaration

Bristol Zoological Society's chief executive, Dr Justin Morris, discusses Bristol City Council’s Declaration of an Ecological Emergency.

Conservationists use drones to help save endangered giraffe

Conservationists from Bristol Zoological Society are pioneering a new approach to wildlife conservation with help from technology experts at the University of Bristol.

Bear Studies – Training Behind the Scenes

We went behind the scenes in Bear Wood for a day of bear training!

Bear Birthdays at Wild Place Project

The newest residents at Wild Place Project are celebrating their joint birthdays this week.

Stretch your legs this January

Feeling that post-Christmas slump? Shake it off with a trip to Wild Place Project this January and reconnect with nature!

Reindeer at Wild Place Project get set for Christmas

Wild Place Project takes Christmas to children in hospital

Wild Place Project staff bring creative Christmas cheer to children at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children

Tiny new arrival at Wild Place Project

Kirk’s dik-dik calf born at Wild Place Project

The ROAR-some Christmas gifts that keep on giving…and giving

We have memberships, sensational overnight stays, animal adoptions and experiences including Junior Animal Keepers, plus plenty more gift ideas!

Dayo celebrates his birthday with roses

One of our tallest residents is celebrating his birthday with fellow giraffes and keepers.

Autumn Discoveries at Wild Place Project

Visitors can climb across a giant spider’s web and search for bugs in piles of fallen leaves this autumn.

New giraffe arrives at Wild Place Project

Keepers at Wild Place Project have welcomed a new animal resident – and he’s three metres tall!

We welcome record number of visitors

Visitors are flocking to Wild Place Project, as it welcomes its 200,000th visitor of the year.

Wild Place Project to feature on Big Week at the Zoo

Wild Place Project and Bristol Zoo Gardens will feature on Channel 5’s documentary series ‘Big Week at the Zoo’ next week.

Bristol Bears come up against the real thing

Bristol Bears rugby players came face to face with some real bears when they visited Wild Place Project.

Royals officially open UK’s largest brown bear exhibit

Royals officially open UK’s largest brown bear exhibit

Finishing touches to Bear Wood ahead of opening

Finishing touches are being made to the UK’s largest and most ambitious brown bear exhibit

Countdown to opening the ‘best bear exhibit in the country’

The UK’s largest and most ambitious brown bear exhibit is set to open here at Wild Place Project later this month.

Time capsule buried at Bear Wood

A time capsule has been ceremoniously buried to mark the UK’s newest and biggest bear attraction here at Wild Place Project.

Our Barefoot Trail re-opens!

Our Barefoot Trail has been given a new look for summer 2019 thanks to sponsorship from Tockington Manor School and Nursery.

Cheetah triplets celebrate their birthday

The three cheetahs here at Wild Place Project are about to celebrate their ninth birthdays

Helping to protect endangered species around the world

To mark Endangered Species Day today we look at some of the key species that Bristol Zoological Society is working to protect.

Bristol Zoological Society’s Conservation Story

Gráinne McCabe, Head of Field Conservation and Science here at Bristol Zoological Society, marks Earth Day by recalling her recent visit to Tanzania.

Bristol Bears have a new bear in their team

Bristol Bears’ rugby team today lifted the final bear in place at Wild Place Project

Arty bears revealed ahead of sculpture trail

If you go down to Wild Place Project next weekend, you’re sure of a big surprise.

New video gives first glimpse of new Bear Wood exhibit

A new fly-through video gives a sneak preview of what the new Bear Wood exhibit at Wild Place Project will look like.

Bears are coming to Wild Place Project

A series of life-size painted bear sculptures are set to appear around Wild Place Project this spring.

New colony of exotic birds arrive at Wild Place Project

A new colony of brightly coloured birds has arrived at Wild Place Project in time for the half-term break.

Discover your wild side this half-term

Children of all ages have the chance to make some wild discoveries at Wild Place Project this half-term.

Reindeer at Wild Place Project get ready for Christmas

Keepers at Wild Place Project are giving their reindeer extra attention in the coming days – in case Father Christmas needs them.

Across the globe to sell Christmas trees

Tom sells Christmas trees at Wild Place Project after epic flight

Toddlers plant trees for National Tree Week

Pre-school children, armed with spades, have helped to plant the first of 150 native trees that will form a new tree corridor at Wild Place Project.

Race against time to save critically endangered giraffe

Experts at Bristol Zoological Society are involved in a race against time to save one of the world’s most beautiful and majestic animals.

New cute arrival

Keepers at Wild Place Project are celebrating the arrival of a cute new friend.

New effort to help save lemurs on the brink of extinction

Bristol Zoological Society has launched a new campaign to help combat the extinction threat facing the world’s lemurs.

Work begins on new bear exhibit

Work has begun on creating an exciting new bear exhibit at Wild Place Project.

Historic air-raid shelter open for Halloween

An underground air-raid shelter from World War Two is being opened to the public at Wild Place Project especially for Halloween.

Halloween gets an extra twist at Wild Place Project

Halloween is being given an exciting twist this year to make it spookier and more fun than ever before.

New heart-melting arrival at Wild Place Project

One of the smallest antelopes in the world has been born at Wild Place Project.

Celebrities back £5m plan to return bears to woods

Leading celebrities have come out in support of the £5 million plan to return bears to ancient woods on the outskirts of Bristol.

Families connect with nature this summer

Families from across the Bristol area have been invited to join a series of free wildlife workshops to connect them with nature.

Some sad news about Gerry the giraffe

We are deeply saddened to announce this news about Gerry

Musical wives pose in the poppies

Wild Place Project’s unique poppy garden was the location of choice for a photoshoot for a group of musical military wives.

New chief executive at Bristol Zoo and Wild Place Project

The new chief executive of Bristol Zoological Society, with responsibility for Bristol Zoo Gardens and Wild Place Project, is Dr Justin Morris and for him the role means he is coming home.

Bristol Zoological Society welcomes new CEO

Bristol Zoological Society has welcomed a new Chief Executive - Dr Justin Morris.

95 Percent of World’s Lemur Species on Edge of Extinction

Leading primate conservationists call for effective protection of world’s most endangered primates.

Alice’s Adventures at Wild Place Project

The timeless story of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is being brought vividly to life in the open-air at Wild Place Project this summer.

Street artist creates mural for Bear Wood

A well-known street artist is helping to spread the word about an exciting plan to return brown bears to an ancient woodland on the outskirts of Bristol.

World War Two air raid shelter opens at Wild Place Project

An air raid shelter from World War Two is being opened to the public at Wild Place Project for the first time in its history.

Make a name for yourself at Bear Wood

People are being given a great chance to leave their names on a £5 million scheme to bring bears back to woods at Wild Place Project.

Get up close to world’s last surviving grass-grazing primate

Wild Place Project has launched an exciting new animal experience with the Gelada Baboons!

Bristol Zoological Society’s CEO retires after 40 years

After a career spanning 40 years, Bristol Zoological Society’s chief executive is retiring.

5th birthday celebrations for Wild Place Project

Wild Place Project is five this week (Sunday July 22) and to celebrate its tallest residents tucked-in to a delicious birthday cake!

Sir David Attenborough backs plan to help save lemurs

Sir David Attenborough has given his support to a vital project for a new field station in Madagascar to help save critically endangered lemurs.

Unique poppy garden to mark the centenary of WW1

A new study by leading conservationists has revealed the growing plight of lemurs in their native Madagascar where 95 per cent are at risk of extinction.

Celebrating world’s tallest animals for World Giraffe Day

Staff at Wild Place Project will be championing the world’s tallest animals this weekend in celebration of World Giraffe Day.

Charity abseil for iconic animals

Adrenaline junkies have the chance to abseil off an iconic Bristol landmark to raise funds to introduce bears to ancient woods at Wild Place Project.

Go ahead for £5m plan to return bears to woods near Bristol

A £5 million plan to return bears to ancient woods on the outskirts of Bristol for the first time in hundreds of years has been given the go ahead.

Celebrating National Volunteers' Week

This week is National Volunteers' Week, a time to celebrate and thank our excellent volunteers for their dedication supporting Wild Place Project.

Cheetah triplets 8th birthday celebrations

The cheetah triplets at Wild Place Project are also celebrating their eighth birthdays this week.

The giraffe are measuring up at Wild Place Project

It’s been a year since three young giraffe arrived at Wild Place Project, and now it’s time for keepers to see how they are measuring up.

Half-term fun for active adventurers at Wild Place Project

Wild Place Project will be transformed into a land of adventure this May half-term.

Poppy Garden marking the centenary of the WWI

A special poppy garden at Wild Place Project to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War is beginning to flourish.

New look for Wild Place Project shop

New look for Wild Place Project shop

Lemur whose life hung in the balance is now thriving

A tiny lemur at Wild Place Project whose life hung in the balance is now thriving.

Wild Place Project is looking for horticulture volunteers

People who love propagating plants and tending seed beds have a rare chance to become horticultural volunteers at Wild Place Project.

How to x-ray a giraffe

So how do you go about x-raying one of the tallest animals in the world?

Endangered UK crayfish released into the wild

Conservationists from Bristol Zoological Society have released a healthy population of native crayfish into the wild to help bolster dwindling numbers in UK waterways.

Flying to Central America to help endangered frogs

Conservationists from Bristol Zoological Society fly out to Costa Rica today (May 2) to spearhead vital research into a tiny endangered frog.

Bambi look-a-like is born at Wild Place Project

Bambi look-a-like is born at Wild Place Project

Critically endangered lemur twins celebrate first birthday

Critically endangered lemur twins celebrate first birthday at Wild Place Project

Vets help save newborn lemur at Wild Place Project

Vets help save newborn lemur at Wild Place Project

Snake's-head Fritillaries

Snake's-head Fritillaries at Wild Place Project

Planting our unique poppy garden

Unique poppy garden to mark the centenary of the First World War ending

New home for okapi Kimosi

New home for okapi Kimosi

Our okapi Kimosi is off to pastures new

Kimosi our young female okapi will be leaving Wild Place Project next week to be paired with a male okapi at Zoo du Bassin d’Arcachon in France.

Bristol conservationists find giraffe

Conservationists from Bristol Zoological Society are using state-of-the-art technology to help safeguard the future of giraffe in Cameroon.

Enchanted Easter at Wild Place Project

Magical plans have been revealed for an Enchanted Easter at Wild Place Project.

£5 million plan unveiled to bring bears back to Bristol wood

Animal lovers are being given the chance of a lifetime to volunteer at Wild Place Project.

Wild Place Project is looking for volunteers

Animal lovers are being given the chance of a lifetime to volunteer at Wild Place Project.

Closures due to snow

Wild Place Project closes due to weather conditions

Conservationists fly to Africa to help vulnerable giraffe

Three conservationists from Bristol Zoological Society fly to Africa today (Tues) to carry out vital research into vulnerable giraffe.

A Special Day for Zebras at Wild Place Project

It is International Zebra Day (January 31) when people all over the world celebrate these amazing animals.

Make some really Wild Discoveries this half-term

Everyone loves exploring and making exciting discoveries – and Wild Place Project is offering boys and girls the opportunity to both next month.

Work starts on major improvements to Wild Place Project car

Work is underway on transforming the car park at Wild Place Project.

Wild Place Project - 2017 round-up

2017 was the best year yet for Wild Place Project, with record-breaking visitor numbers and the opening of our spectacular new giraffe house.

January Flash Sale at Bristol Zoo and Wild Place Project

Start the New Year by meeting and feeding giraffe, cheetah, meerkats and lemurs at knock-down prices in the Bristol Zoo Gardens and Wild Place Project January flash sale.

Merry Christmas from Wild Place Project!

It’s been a record breaking year for Wild Place Project.

Celebrity farmer visits Wild Place Project

Celebrity farmer Gareth Wynn-Jones visited Wild Place Project to film a video for Honda UK.

Wild Place Project welcomes 200,000th visitor of the year

The fastest growing tourist attraction in the south-west has welcomed its 200,000th visitor of the year.

Christmas gifts you will treasure forever

Some Christmas gifts make dreams come true and will be remembered forever.

Kimosi the Okapi celebrates her first birthday

One of Wild Place Project’s okapi is celebrating her first birthday today.

Christmas is coming to Wild Place Project

The countdown to Christmas has begun at Wild Place Project and already there is magic in the air.

Critically endangered lemur twins born

The six-week-old baby boys are now growing in confidence

School children take a walk on the wild side

Local school children who buried a time capsule at Wild Place Project earlier this year have returned to the attraction to visit its newest inhabitants.

Let’s celebrate World Lemur Day

Tomorrow (Fri Oct 27) is World Lemur Day and we thought we would share some of our favourite pictures of these charismatic animals.

Honda Pioneer turns heads at Wild Place Project

Wild Place Project has taken delivery of a new Honda Pioneer and it has certainly caught the eye of the giraffe there.

Today we celebrate world okapi day!

Today is World Okapi Day, an opportunity to celebrate and raise awareness about these amazing and elusive animals.

Come visit the Witch of Wild Place

The Witch of Wild Place is here this Halloween Half Term.

Financial Advice firm help save cheetah

Aspirations Financial Advice Ltd is sponsoring the cheetah enclosure at Wild Place Project.

Every day is a school day at Wild Place Project

We have appointed Rosie Sims as our new learning officer.

Get set for okapi weekend at Wild Place Project

A special weekend to raise awareness about the threat to the survival of okapis takes place at Wild Place Project.

Animals get ready for Halloween at Wild Place Project

Cute lemur Ihosy simply could not wait to get into the Halloween spirit at Wild Place Project.

Enjoy the Autumn colours at Wild Place Project

Autumn is just around the corner, and Wild Place Project is the perfect destination to enjoy the changing seasons of the woodland.

New zebra could lead to patter of tiny hooves

A unique overnight wildlife experience

Hand-feed the world’s tallest animals at Wild Place Project

Lemur twins growing up fast at Wild Place

Run wild and join Wild Place Project’s charity fun run

Wild Place Project is inviting runners, joggers and walkers to ‘run wild’ next month as it holds its third annual fundraising fun run.

Wild Place Project is a remarkable success story

Wild Place Project is a remarkable success story

Unique experiment at Wild Place Project for endangered lemur

A unique experiment to see if endangered lemurs bred in captivity could adapt to life in the wild is taking place at Wild Place Project, near Bristol.

Wind in the Willows comes to life at Wild Place

Wind in the Willows

Pride and Prejudice in open-air at Wild Place Project

Pride and Prejudice at Wild Place

Small Copper Butterfly Spotted at Wild Place

Small Copper Spotted!

Celebrating World Giraffe Day

Celebrating World Giraffe Day

Giraffe House is Now Open Daily

The giraffe house is now open daily.

Name revealed for third giraffe

We can now reveal the name people have chosen for our third giraffe at Wild Place Project.

Giraffe have arrived!

Giraffe have arrived!

Wild Place Okapi Ruby's first birthday

Our okapi Ruby celebrated her first birthday with roses!

Time Capsule buried at the Giraffe House

Children from St. Anne’s CE School in Oldland Common visited Wild Place Project to find out about the new giraffe house, which is now under construction.

Tiny trio move in to Wild Place Project

Meet Croissant, Streusel and Sponge – Wild Place Project’s newest, mini residents.

Volunteer alongside some amazing animals

Volunteer alongside Kibibi the okapi, Mitzy the ring-tailed lemur and Duma the cheetah

Climb the peaks to protect endangered animals

Companies and individuals in the south west are being invited to join staff from Bristol Zoological Society to take on the National Three Peaks.

New giraffe exhibit planned for Wild Place Project

The world’s tallest animals will be making south Gloucestershire their home later this year as Wild Place Project reveals plans to bring in giraffe.

Avian influenza

A strain of avian influenza has been found in wild and farmed birds in the UK

Bedtime with the baboons

Lovers of the outdoors have the unique opportunity to spend the night among the animals at Wild Place Project from this summer.

Annual animal census in full swing at Wild Place Project

Annual animal census in full swing at Bristol Zoo Gardens and Wild Place Project

Endangered Mauritius pink pigeons

In a true tale of instinct and adaptability, a group of five endangered Mauritius pink pigeons have been raised by foster parents from an entirely different species.

Animals hop on the scales for a weigh-in

From tiny birds, to antelope, keepers at Wild Place Proiect are undertaking task of weighing all the animals.

Help name our baby okapi

Keepers at Wild Place Project are inviting the public to help to choose a name for a new baby okapi.

Students visit Wild Place Project for BBC bootcamp

15 students from around the city visited Wild Place Project to take part in the BBC’s Talent Ticket Year 12 Bootcamp

Swing is only for the brave this Halloween

Adrenaline junkies can now experience thrills at new heights this Halloween as Wild Place Project’s giant swing gets higher, faster and even more scar

We're celebrating World Okapi Day

We're celebrating World Okapi Day

The future of lemurs could be safeguarded

The future of lemurs could be safeguarded thanks to a significant donation.

Fancy volunteering for a variety of roles?

Volunteers are being sought to help with a variety of roles at Wild Place.

Get closer to nature with a bursary

Open to individuals & groups who may not usually be able to visit Wild Place.

Jog for Giraffe in Wild Place Project’s ‘Wild Run’

Jog for Giraffe’ on Sunday 11 September; an energising 5k run raising funds to protect the future of giraffe.

Meet our Gelada baboons

Meet Hobbit, Hercules, Harshit, Hector, Kito and Kidame – our newest arrivals.

New conservation project for threatened giraffe

We're heading to Cameroon to begin a critical research project on the remaining Kordofan giraffe.

Birthday presents all-round

To celebrate our third birthday treat our animals to a enriching present from our Amazon Wish List.

Giraffe Three Peaks

Together we raised over £10,000 for giraffe walking the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge

Animals at Wild Place Project were given ice lollies to help them cool down as temperatures hit highs this summer.

Wild Place recognised for superior service

Wild Place Project has been awarded a 2016 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor.

Okapi birth caught on camera

We have a new arrival - an okapi calf called Ruby.

Plans revealed for state of the art vet centre

Plans are underway for a world-class veterinary centre at Wild Place Project.

Royal visit to show support for two major wildlife projects

Their Royal Highnesses, The Earl and Countess of Wessex, have visited Bristol’s Wild Place Project to give two major projects their royal seal of appr

Scale great heights to save giraffe

Staff members from Wild Place Project are calling upon companies and individuals to join them in climbing the iconic Welsh Three Peaks, to help save g

A double celebration at Wild Place Project

A pair of rare ring-tailed lemurs have been born at Wild Place Project.

Enjoy the autumn colours at Wild Place Project

Autumn has arrived at Wild Place Project. It is the perfect time of year to enjoy the changing seasons of the woodland at Wild Place Project.

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Registered office: Bristol Zoological Society Ltd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HA.

Company registered in England reg. no. 5154176, Charity reg. no. 1104986

The Wild Place Project is owned and operated by the Bristol Zoological Society. This is a charity and is a subsidiary of the Bristol Zoological Society, who also operate Bristol Zoo Gardens.