Loneliest Gorillas Discovered at Abandoned UK Zoo Three Years After Closure
The discovery of the “world’s loneliest” gorillas at an abandoned zoo in the UK has sparked concern among animal lovers. Urban explorers recently found the eight gorillas at Bristol Zoo, which closed its doors to the public in September 2022.
Gorillas Found in Abandoned Enclosure
Footage captured by explorers shows the gorillas tapping on glass, seeking attention from visitors. Their enclosure is now overrun with vegetation and surrounded by empty visitor structures. The animals are reportedly being cared for daily by expert keepers, assuring the public of their welfare.
Zoo’s Response to Public Concerns
- Bristol Zoological Society has stated it is committed to the well-being of the gorilla troop.
- The Society confirmed that the gorillas have access to both outdoor and indoor spaces.
- Security has been enhanced at the site following numerous break-in attempts since the zoo’s closure.
Brian Zimmerman, the director of conservation and science at Bristol Zoological Society, emphasized that the care and safety of the animals are a top priority. He expressed frustration regarding trespassers and their potential distressing impact on the gorillas.
Future Plans for the Gorillas
The gorillas are set to move to a new habitat at the Bristol Zoo Project in the coming months. This new area will be significantly larger, designed to replicate the forests of Equatorial Guinea. It will be four and a half times the size of their current enclosure.
Public Scrutiny and Advocacy Efforts
Wildlife charity Born Free has criticized the Bristol Zoo for keeping the gorillas confined in their old enclosure, despite the zoo’s closure. They highlighted that public interest is growing due to the lack of transparency regarding the animals’ conditions.
- The charity noted that the gorillas have experienced distress due to repeated disturbances from trespassers.
- A report mentioned the need to remove a dead tree from the enclosure to prevent potential escapes.
As the situation continues to unfold, public concern over the gorillas’ living conditions remains high. The new Bristol Zoo Project aims to better meet the needs of these great apes, freeing them from their current, less-than-ideal circumstances.
