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Bath Today
By the People, for the People
Bristol Zoo's Gorillas Settle Into New Habitat Designed by Bath Firm
Innovative habitat aims to enhance animal welfare and visitor experience.
Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:41am
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Bristol Zoo's new immersive gorilla habitat brings a bold, artistic flair to the captive animal experience.Bath TodayA team of designers based in Bath, England have helped transform an area of mature woodland at Bristol Zoo into a new immersive habitat for the zoo's gorillas. The ground-breaking design creates a Central African forest landscape to support the animals' welfare while also providing meaningful experiences for visitors.
Why it matters
Zoos are increasingly focused on creating habitats that prioritize animal welfare and natural behaviors, moving away from more traditional enclosures. This project at Bristol Zoo showcases how innovative design can enhance the lives of captive animals while also engaging visitors in a more immersive and educational way.
The details
The Bath-based design team worked to transform the woodland area into a lush, naturalistic habitat complete with dense foliage, rocky outcroppings, and a flowing stream. The goal was to replicate the gorillas' native Central African environment as closely as possible to support their physical and psychological needs.
- The new gorilla habitat opened to the public in April 2026.
The players
Bristol Zoo Project
The team behind the new immersive gorilla habitat at Bristol Zoo.
Bath-based designers
The design firm responsible for creating the innovative Central African forest landscape for the gorillas.
The takeaway
This project at Bristol Zoo demonstrates how thoughtful, nature-inspired design can enhance the lives of captive animals while also engaging visitors in a more immersive and educational way, setting a new standard for modern zoo habitats.
