Bristol Zoo announces special summer programme to mark Clifton closure
Various events will encourage Bristolians to share their memories of the site
Staff at Bristol Zoo have announced a series of special events this summer to help people share their memories of the Clifton site, before it closes for good in September.
The zoo will close its doors on 3 September and lots of the animals will be moved to Wild Place, which will become the new Bristol Zoo.
The event series has been called "The Zoo and You" and has already begun with a poetry and story competition, which launched on Wednesday 11 May.
That will be followed by a memory show and tell event on May 28-29, before a live art exhibition later this summer.
"These one-off events will allow the public to reminisce, and share their favourite memories and stories that span generations," a statement from the zoo says.
The current Bristol Zoo is one of the oldest in the world, with the Clifton site having first opened its doors 186 years ago.
Simon Garrett, Head of Public Engagement for Bristol Zoo Gardens, commented: “This summer marks a significant milestone in Bristol Zoo Gardens’ incredible story.
“As we prepare to close the gates to the Clifton site after more than 186 years, we want to ensure we give this famous attraction the send off it deserves and share that celebration with visitors from Bristol and beyond.
“As well as looking back on so many special moments and memories, our summer events will look to the future of the new Bristol Zoo, which we will create at our Wild Place site."
From mid-July, the zoo will mark its last summer season with the ‘BIG Summer Send Off’, a collection of fun-filled interactive activities and attractions, which will be open for the duration of the school summer holidays.
It will feature a collaborative timeline exhibit on the zoo's historic top terrace, which will evolve over the summer as visitors add their own memories.
The centrepiece of the celebrations will be a huge interactive art installation that will stand tall on the main lawn.
Details of exactly what that will entail are still to be announced.
Families will also have the chance to immerse themselves in an interactive theatrical experience especially written for Bristol Zoo Gardens’ final summer.
Kate Statham, managing director, Bakehouse Factory said: “It’s an honour to play a part in this special summer programme, which will mark a significant moment in Bristol’s cultural history.
“There is so much inspiration to be drawn from the Zoo’s vast history, but we also wanted to ensure this family programme marked a moment in time, creating new magical memories.
"With this programme, you can expect lots of interaction and a festival atmosphere that will span the whole of the summer holidays.”
Tickets for the BIG Summer Send Off are now available to purchase on Bristol Zoo’s website www.bristolzoo.org.uk.