About

Jump into a day of outdoor adventure at Bristol Zoo Project. Meet amazing animals from around the world, wander through woodlands and learn fascinating facts from our animal experts.

Tip-toe along a winding treetop walkway to explore award-winning Bear Wood. Home to bears, wolves, wolverines and lynx, Bear Wood steps back in time to 10,000 years ago, when these animals roamed the wilds of ancient Britain. Over the winter, when the bears go into torpor (a light form of hibernation) you can watch them snoozing on Bear Cam, on the main walkway of Bear Wood.

Don’t miss the Lemur Walkthrough, where you can get up close to amazing primates, and take a stroll up the raised giraffe walkway where you can see eye-to-eye with nature’s tallest animals.

A programme of animal talks runs daily, wowing kids and adults alike with amazing animal facts.

Kids can go wild in Explorers Basecamp, a new multi-level adventure play area designed for children of all ages, needs, and abilities. This exciting play area features a three-storey play tower with slides, rope jungles, climbing walls, and much more, allowing kids to explore and play all day without time limits.

Rumbling tum? Food options range from light bites to delicious pizzas. Base Camp Pizzeria is open daily, with pizzas prepared by onsite chefs and freshly stone-baked (vegan and gluten-free options available). Check the welcome board on arrival for cafe and pizzeria opening times on the day of your visit. The pizzeria is located just behind the cheetah habitat, so you can spot cheetahs while tucking in.

The zoo runs seasonal events and activities throughout the year. Check here for upcoming events.

Every visit contributes to conservation work around the world to protect species and habitats in the wild.

Please check Bristol Zoo Project's website before visiting for the latest updates.

Accessibility

There are 6 Blue Badge parking bays within the car park and step-free access to main entrance, although there is a steep slope. Two manual wheelchairs available to hire, please call to book in advance. Motorised scooters are allowed.

The venue is on a site rich in natural beauty, so while paths are mostly tarmac, please be aware that some paths can be loose and uneven.

There are several viewing houses and information points throughout the park- there are no doors at these viewing houses.

Accessible toilet facilities are available. Documents can be requested in large print and we have a sensory map available which may benefit guests who are neurodivergent. Assistance dogs are welcome on site, and an assistance toilet area can be provided, as well as a bowl of water. A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.

For full accessibility information click here.

Sustainability

Bristol Zoological Society (BZS) works in the context of an ecological and climate crisis. Conservation zoos play a central role in preventing the extinction of threatened species, addressing the challenges of climate change and habitat loss.

The Society’s focus is to lead by example, across their UK and international activities, demonstrating what a progressive, sustainable conservation and education zoological charity can be – as part of this, BZS has a comprehensive set of sustainability ambitions and targets.

Society sustainability initiatives include: a 100% renewable electricity tariff, heating offices and aviaries with biomass, rainwater harvesting, water-bottle refill stations, a focus on deforestation-free commodities, an on-site Dott e-bike parking bay, eradicating single-use plastic from catering operations, plant-based menu options, and celebrating local suppliers. BZS are also working towards a biodiversity net gain of 22% for habitats and 36% for hedgerows – you can see evidence of this work across the Bristol Zoo Project site, including several well-used bird and bat boxes.

Please read the BZS sustainability strategy to learn more.