Bristol Zoo responds to viral footage of gorillas in distress at their old site, addressing concerns over trespassers and animal welfare as they await their new enclosure at the Bristol Zoo Project.
Bristol Zoo has issued a statement after disturbing footage of gorillas “banging on windows” went viral online, sparking public concern about the animals’ welfare. The viral video, shared by urban explorers and seen by several UK outlets, shows the gorillas exhibiting signs of distress in their enclosure at the now-closed Bristol Zoo Gardens.
The zoo, which shut its doors in 2022, has been in the process of relocating animals to the new Bristol Zoo Project. While many animals have already been moved, the gorillas have remained at the old site due to the construction of their new, much larger enclosure designed to replicate the African forests of Equatorial Guinea.
The viral footage led some to speculate that the gorillas were “lonely” and being mistreated, with claims that they were seen “banging on windows” in their enclosure. The incident has fueled online discussions, with one trespasser claiming that the zoo’s lack of transparency about the situation was contributing to public concern. “It’s in the public interest to be transparent… that’s why there is so much public attention – no one could care if they were honest,” the individual said.
In response, Bristol Zoo released a statement, clarifying that while the gorillas are still living at the Clifton site, they are not isolated. The zoo explained that the gorillas are regularly attended to by their team of keepers, veterinarians, students, and researchers. “As well as their team of keepers, the gorillas see vets, other zoo staff, students, researchers, and zoo supporters throughout each week,” the zoo spokesperson said.
The zoo also pointed out that trespassers breaking into the site have triggered alarm systems, causing distress to the gorilla troop. “The heightened security has ensured trespassers haven’t been able to get near to the gorillas, but each time someone breaks in, our alarm system is triggered, which distresses the gorilla troop,” the spokesperson added. “It often leads them to miss sleep, which disrupts their routine and leaves them groggy and lethargic.”
The Bristol Zoo Project team also criticized the spread of misinformation about the gorillas’ situation, noting that the videos shared by influencers were misleading. “The only reason social media influencers share this misleading content is to gain followers,” the zoo said. “We hope our supporters help to raise awareness of the harm these continued break-ins cause.”
Hannah Windross, Director of Bristol Zoo Project, expressed her frustration over the misrepresentation of the zoo’s efforts to care for the gorillas. “It’s distressing for the keepers because they love and care for these animals for years,” she said. “To see people saying they’re miserable and abandoned is just so hurtful.”
Despite the zoo’s reassurances, animal welfare organization Born Free has criticized the zoo for keeping the gorillas at the old site for so long. They expressed concerns over the repeated disturbances caused by the break-ins, saying that the loud alarms had “really distressing” impacts on the gorillas.
The situation has sparked a broader debate about animal welfare, with many urging transparency and better conditions for the gorillas as they await their move to their new, larger home at the Bristol Zoo Project.
