Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton

Voted ‘Zoo of the year 2004’ by the Good Britain Guide, Bristol Zoo Gardens has something for everyone from the smallest and rarest tortoise in the world, to the largest ape. With over 400 exotic and endangered species to explore, enjoy a whole day filled with excitement and discovery at Bristol Zoo Gardens.

Apart from the wonderful collection of animals, the enclosures are set amongst 12 acres of beautiful gardens. There is also a restaurant, café and shop.

Why not take a trip to see to our Livingstone’s fruit bats and Asiatic lions who both have newly improved enclosures this year? Visit our award-wining ‘Seal & Penguin Coasts’ with its fantastic underwater viewing or discover other favourites including Bug World, Twilight World, the Monkey House, the Reptile House, and Gorilla Island.

As well as being a fun place to visit, Bristol Zoo Gardens is dedicated to conservation and is involved in international breeding programmes, so watch out for baby animals throughout the Zoo.

The Twilight World takes you through a nocturnal forest containing strange creatures. The Aquarium contains over 100 different fascinating species of fish. You can walk amongst free flying birds through the Wallace Aviary. Visit Bug World and see Claus and Salome the Silverbacks on Gorilla Island.

Lake World is populated by squirrel monkeys, ring-tailed lemurs and saki monkeys. The Reptile House has African dwarf crocodiles with their babies. The Seal and Penguin Coasts have marvellous underwater views. Other attractions include Sona Brazil and Zoolympics. Children can handle live snakes and other small animals or have fun having their face painted in the excellent Activity Centre.

There are rare species of plants and trees to be seen as well as a variety of plants in the beds and borders and rock gardens. Bristol Zoo Gardens is a member of Botanical Gardens Conservation International taking part in international plant conservation programmes. It also works with the European Zoo Horticulture Group investigating the use of plants in enclosure design, landscaping and for fodder.

Many areas of the Zoo are under cover if the weather is wet.

Opening hours

Open daily from 9am until 5.30pm in high season (5.00pm in low season).

Closed Christmas Day.