Experts warn gorillas could escape in Bristol

Gorillas at the closed Bristol Zoo Gardens could escape if a dead tree next to the moat on their island falls and creates a bridge to freedom, planning documents reveal.

It could also knock out the electric fence and let the animals escape.

The danger prompted Bristol Zoological Society to issue an urgent five-day notice to chop down the weeping willow at the former tourist attraction in Clifton, which was granted by the city council.

The tree on Gorilla Island succumbed to a destructive parasitic fungus.

In an email to the council, the zoo’s landscape manager said:

“We have recently identified a dead and hazardous willow tree within the gorilla enclosure at Bristol Zoo Gardens.

“A professional survey has highlighted the risks associated with its location next to the gorilla moat.

“Should any part of the tree fail, it could create a bridging risk, allowing the gorillas to escape the enclosure, or damage the electric fencing, which could also lead to an escape.

“Given the potential severity of this situation, I am providing a five-day notice for the tree’s removal.”

Wotton Tree Consultancy’s report said: “Whole tree failure is a possibility given the low wood density of the species type.

“This could then create an escape route for gorillas.

“The tree is now dead and occupying a location in where, should it fail, is likely to bridge the watercourse, and create a potential escape route for gorillas.

“It is my strong recommendation that this tree is removed.”

The zoo, which closed in 2022, has to replace the tree with the same species.

Hear the latest news on Downtown on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.