A recent video has surfaced showing a group of gorillas still inside their enclosure, three years after Bristol Zoo closed to the public. Urban explorers captured footage of eight gorillas banging on the windows, drawing attention to concerns raised by a charity regarding the continued captivity of these western lowland gorillas while awaiting completion of a new enclosure.
Security measures have been heightened at the zoo due to break-ins post-closure, with the latest video revealing unauthorized access and potential risks to both the gorillas and intruders. The individual who shared the video expressed a desire to raise awareness about the animals’ situation and questioned the transparency of Bristol Zoo’s operations.
The zoo plans to relocate the gorillas to a new African Forest habitat in the upcoming Bristol Zoo Project, which will offer a significantly larger space compared to their current enclosure. Despite criticism from wildlife organizations, the zoo emphasized the current facilities’ adequate conditions and reiterated their commitment to animal welfare.
While the zoo declined to comment on the video, they emphasized the disruptions caused by trespassing incidents and the impact on the gorillas’ well-being. The ongoing presence of the gorillas at the former site, amidst security concerns and construction delays, has sparked controversy and calls for greater transparency in the management of captive animals.