BRISTOL Zoological Society has revealed more of its plans to preserve its legacy in Clifton.
As part of the proposed redevelopment following the closure of the 186-year old zoo in 2022, the society plans to create a permanent free exhibition of its history.
Historic items and memorabilia will be on show at a new Clifton Conservation Hub, which will be created in the zoo entrance building.
Among the treasures displayed will be the Alfred the gorilla death mask. It will be exhibited alongside artefacts such as the original Zoo Keepers’ ‘Animal Bedtime’ Bell, and the original founding documents for the site (currently stored for safekeeping in Bristol City Council’s archives).
The Conservation Hub will feature a public café with indoor and outdoor seating, exhibition space, education and meeting spaces.
The zoo has also outlined its plans for keeping the gardens open as a public park, free to access for the first time in their history, following the development of housing on part of the 12-acre site.
“This means everyone will be able to see the now-listed Bear Pit, Aviary and Monkey Temple,” a spokesman said.
The zoo is working on the proposals while awaiting the outcome of a Judicial Review into the decision to grant planning permission for the redevelopment.
If the legal challenge is unsuccessful, the zoo’s intention is to sell the site to fund its Bristol Zoo Project at Cribbs Causeway, to which all the animals from Clifton apart from the gorillas have now been transferred, and its conservation work.
The society boosted its funds further buy selling items of memorabilia from the zoo’s heyday, including original signage, animal sculptures and Victorian benches, at a series of public auctions late last year. These raised a total of more than £206,000.