Step inside the gorilla gym at Bristol Zoo Project

We're swinging into an exciting new chapter with the creation of our brand-new gorilla gym as part of the African Forest habitat at Bristol Zoo Project!

Indoor structure with large wooden logs arranged for display or climbing, under a glass roof with metal framework.

Crafted from oak sourced sustainably in Devon, this timber structure spans three indoor areas in the new gorilla and mangabey house and combines the ancient craft of timber framing skills with modern engineering to create a world-class primate enrichment structure.

From resting platforms, nests, and soon a ‘biofloor’ of bark chip mulch, the gym offers a natural and stimulating environment for the new residents.

Carpenter Oak, award-winning timber framing specialists who designed and planned the project, hand-crafted each piece with precision, ensuring the structure is safe, durable, and perfectly suited for our troop of western lowland gorillas.

Wooden structure made of logs creating a rustic walkway with steps, inside an industrial-style building with metal beams and pipes.

As a vital element of this new habitat, the gorilla gym has been designed to provide physical, social, behavioural, and psychological enrichment to the gorillas in their exciting new home. The bespoke gym encourages natural behaviours such as climbing and nesting, helping our gorillas thrive in an environment that reflects their wild habitat.

All the timber used was sustainably sourced and British-grown, using English oak for its strength, durability, and character. All wood was sourced locally from Woodmanship Sawmill, which supplies sustainably grown and managed woodlands from the Haldon Hills.

A red truck with a trailer loaded with large tree logs, parked on a gravel surface, surrounded by a cloudy sky.

Our Critically Endangered western lowland gorilla troop will live with Endangered cherry-crowned mangabeys under one roof. At approximately four and a half times the size of the troop’s previous home, African Forest is designed to represent the dense forests of Equatorial Guinea, complementing our broader conservation efforts in the region.

Black-and-white image of a gorilla walking at night, captured by a trail camera. Surrounding are leaves and forest ground cover.

As a conservation and education charity, we have a long history of working with gorillas both here in the UK and overseas. As well as many years of caring for them at our zoo in Bristol, we are also working in Equatorial Guinea, where we’re partnering with local communities to protect the species in the Monte Alén National Park.

Opening this spring, don’t miss out on the chance to get up close to our troop of gorillas as they play in their new bespoke gym!

An artist's impression of the view of the African Forest gorilla gym from the new learning space at Bristol Zoo

Image credit: Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios

Step inside the gorilla gym at Bristol Zoo Project

We're swinging into an exciting new chapter with the creation of our brand-new gorilla gym as part of the African Forest habitat at Bristol Zoo Project!

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