UK Zoo Issues Urgent Warning After Gorilla Enclosure Break-Ins
Bristol Zoo has heightened security after break-ins at its gorilla enclosure due to false online claims of abandonment
Bristol, UK, Gorillas, Zoo, Security, Misinformation
Bristol: A UK zoo is on high alert after some break-ins at its gorilla enclosure. It seems some folks online are spreading false info, claiming the gorillas were abandoned. This has led to multiple intrusions at the old Bristol Zoo Gardens site, which closed in September 2022.
The Bristol Zoo Project has reported these incidents to the police. They’re worried about the impact of this misinformation on the animals, especially the oldest silverback gorilla in the UK. To tackle this, they shared a video on Facebook to show how these break-ins affect the gorillas and the staff.
In the video, zookeepers mentioned that their new security measures have kept the trespassers away. But every time someone tries to sneak in, loud alarms go off, which can really stress out the gorillas. Imogen, one of the keepers, said that while it’s great the gorillas are safe, the noise from the alarms is quite distressing for them.
The troop of eight gorillas has been living at the Bristol Zoo Gardens since it closed. They’re set to move to a new habitat at the Bristol Zoo Project site near Cribbs Causeway in the summer of 2026.
Gareth, another zookeeper, compared the break-ins to someone snooping around a family home. He explained that just like people, the gorillas feel scared and worried, especially the younger ones and the elderly. After these break-ins, they’ve noticed that Jock, the older gorilla, has been particularly tired and reluctant to move.
Hannah Windross, the Director of People and Public Engagement, mentioned that the site has been targeted multiple times since July 2024. Each time videos of the gorillas are shared online, it seems to trigger more break-ins. She emphasized that the care and welfare of the animals are their top priority.
While the heightened security has kept the gorillas safe, the alarms still cause them distress. The team is dedicated to caring for the gorillas, just as they did when the zoo was open to the public. They hope that by raising awareness, they can combat the misleading information and show that the gorillas are still living at the Clifton site.
Plans are in motion to create a new African Forest habitat for the gorillas, where they’ll be joined by other endangered species. It’s a tough situation, but the zoo is doing everything they can to protect these amazing animals.