One of the world's oldest zoos has shut down after 186 years of good work

UK: Bristol Zoo Gardens, one of the oldest zoos in the world, closed its doors for good this weekend after first welcoming visitors 186 years ago.

Bristol Zoo opened its gates to the public in 1836. With a land area of over 12 acres, it was once home to over 7,000 animals and 420 species.

Since its opening, it has welcomed an estimated 90 million visitors and done exemplary work of saving 175 species from extinction through its conservation programmes.

But things changed drastically in the past few years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The zoo struggled financially as visitor count dwindled due to lockdowns and social distancing restrictions.

According to Bristol Zoological Society, the charity which owns and operates the zoo, the zoo suffered operating losses in four out of the past six years.

The worst phase came during the second national lockdowns in the UK The zoo's revenue took a huge hit that resulted in retirement



plans.

With it's closure, the place drew curtains on its long and illustrious history of housing some famous animals.

“Bristol Zoo Gardens has been a staple part of Bristol life for 186 years and recognised globally. Thousands of families will have memories dating back decades. For many, the zoo has been a significant part of 

their life," said Simon Garrett, head of public engagement.

The goodbye wasn't a dull affair. The zoo had planned a number of events before the September closing date.

Their goal is to let regular visitors band together for one last time.

There's some good news too

Bristol Zoological Society will use the money from the sale to open a new attraction at its Wild Place Project site, a wildlife park located in South Gloucestershire. The new place is expected to be open by 2024.

Many of the animals, mainly the gorillas and the red pandas, will stay in the old zoo until their new homes are ready.