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A gorilla sits among leafy branches with the words 'Help to build our gorilla troop their new home'

African forest appeal

African Forest is the first habitat to be built as part of the new conservation zoo development at Bristol Zoo Project.

This will be the new home for Bristol’s much-loved troop of Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas; Jock, Touni, Kera, Kala, Afia, Ayana, and toddlers, Hasani and Juni.

Read the latest update on African Forest - March 2025.

African Forest will also become home to Critically Endangered slender-snouted crocodiles, Endangered African grey parrots and several extremely threatened species of West African freshwater fish, which visitors will be able to see in a special underwater viewing area. There will also be a learning and education space for all to enjoy.

Thanks to key supporters, work on this new habitat is underway. But we need your help to raise £100,000 to support this phase of the development and further enable our teams to safeguard the future of these precious species in the wild.

An illustration of the new African Forest habitat from above, with arrows pointing out key features

“This new environment will not only give our animals the opportunity to live in spaces more closely reflecting their natural habitats, it will also help to raise vital awareness of the threats these precious species are facing around the world.”

- Chief Executive Justin Morris

How you can support our African Forest Appeal

Donation rewards

We have a range of rewards for you to choose from, including special videos featuring our gorilla troop, gorilla prints, and behind-the-scenes tours and talks. Please have a look and support at a level of your choosing.

Make a donation

£25 could provide bark flooring – natural enrichment for our gorilla and mangabeys.

£50 could pay for a nesting box for our rescued African grey parrots to breed and rear their young in safety.

£100 could contribute towards heat lamps for our slender-snouted crocodiles, providing the vital warmth they need in their new habitat.

£500 could contribute to providing climbing apparatus and natural nest areas in the gorilla ‘gym’, the new indoor enrichment area for the troop.

All contributions, however big or small, will make a difference and help create this incredible new habitat for some of the world’s most threatened species.

All donations made to our African Forest Appeal will go towards the creation of our African Forest habitat. If we are fortunate enough to meet our appeal target of £100,000, all donations over this amount will be put towards Bristol Zoological Society's conservation work, so you can be sure your donation is going where it is most needed.

More ways to support

A plaque with your message

An image of a gorilla with the words 'A plaque with your message in African Forest'

Donate to plant a tree

A CGI image of a gorilla habitat with the words 'Donate to plant a tree in the African Forest habitat at Bristol Zoo Project'

Skydive for gorillas

Charity of the year

The latest news about African Forest

A trip to Frankfurt Zoo by Primate Keeper Gareth

We recently visited Frankfurt Zoo to learn about mixed-species gorilla and mangabey habitats ahead of our African Forest opening.

Creating Central African Forest in the South West of England

We’re undergoing a hugely exciting project to bring Equatorial Guinea to Bristol Zoo Project, with a new habitat opening in 2026.

Our African Forest supporters

Get in touch

To discuss how you can support the African Forest Appeal and how to donate or fundraise for us, please contact:

Katherine Grant, Membership, Individual Giving and Legacy Manager

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0117 428 5367