African Forest Appeal

In February 2025, we launched our African Forest appeal to raise £100,000 in public donations to support the final development phase of this new habitat and help our teams safeguard the future of threatened African species.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported this appeal and helped us exceed our target, raising an incredible £107,414.

Whether you donated, undertook a sponsored walk, run or skydive, purchased a supporter plaque, bought a raffle ticket or attended an event, your generosity, kindness, and belief in our mission to create a home for species under threat have made a real difference—we couldn’t have done it without you.

Every donation, no matter the size, played a part in reaching this milestone. It is inspiring to see so many people come together to make something positive happen, and your support means more than words can express.

The opening of African Forest on 1 April 2026 marks a significant step towards our vision of creating an immersive conservation zoo, where visitors can experience large, naturalistic habitats designed around the needs of wildlife.

Set within beautiful local woodland, African Forest offers the opportunity to experience endangered animals in expansive, natural habitats while learning how we can protect them in the wild.

African Forest is home to some of the world’s most threatened species, providing a vital space for conservation and education. These include Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas, Endangered cherry-crowned mangabeys, Critically Endangered slender-snouted crocodiles, Endangered African grey parrots, and several highly threatened species of West African freshwater fish.

Visitors will also be able to meet Bristol Zoo’s family of gorillas—one of the UK’s most iconic troops—for the first time since the closure of Bristol Zoo Gardens.

By providing a natural woodland setting for our troop of gorillas at Bristol Zoo Project, we aim to connect visitors to the forests of Equatorial Guinea, where we also work to protect these remarkable animals in the wild.

“This new environment will not only give our animals the opportunity to live in spaces that more closely reflect their natural habitats, but it will also help to raise vital awareness of the threats these precious species face around the world.” — Chief Executive, Justin Morris

African Forest promises families a day filled with awe, discovery, and unforgettable memories. We hope you will have the opportunity to visit Bristol Zoo Project and see for yourself what you have helped to create.

Thank you for standing with us, for caring, and for helping turn this goal into a reality.