Today is a sad day for Bristol
And it’s a sad day for generations of Bristolians who will all probably have one thing in common.
They’ve all been on a day trip to Bristol Zoo.
I did as a kid.
And then when I grew up, I took the kids too.
So many families have done the same.
It was a treat, a trip to Bristol Zoo. It is a city institution.
With a packed lunch and much chatter on the way there about what animals we were all looking forward to seeing, it was a special day out.
The monkeys were always a favourite during our trips, and usually accompanied by talk and much laughter that one of them looked like dad or grandad.
There was nothing better than seeing these impressive animals close up.
Picture books and on the TV were nothing in comparison to the real thing.
One of my personal favourites were the penguins and the seals. I always wanted some of my own as a child.
But mum and dad said no.
I had to make do with a hamster. Called Fonzie.
How I envied the seals and the penguins splashing around in the water all day in the sunshine, being fed mackerel.
Watching them dart underneath the water and being able to explore under their enclosure, watching them twist and turn.
The magnificent lions, the cute meerkats, the graceful flamingos balancing in their ponds on one leg.
The alligators, the scary spiders and even the snakes.
So much to see. Such a privilege to get that close up to nature.
For many their love of the zoo over the years has seen mixed emotions.
Welcoming and celebrating new arrivals and feeling saddened when much loved residents were lost.
The zoo was not only a fantastic day out, but a learning experience too.
Covid has been cruel in so many ways.
It has taken so many of the things we enjoy. So many of Bristol’s gems.
The zoo, in its current format at Clifton Down, is the latest casualty.
The continued lockdowns had meant the attraction, renowned across the world, has seen its visitor numbers decline massively.
A tough decision has had to be made.
But it is one which aims to create a world class zoo at the Bristol Zoological Society’s Wild Place site and safeguard the organisation for the future, allowing it to carry on its renowned conservation work and breeding programmes.
Bristol Zoo will always have a place in many a Bristolians’ heart.
And it will continue to do so as it makes its metamorphosis into something new.
