00:00The Bristol Zoo Project is preparing to open a major new area called African Forest
00:06and the Duke of Edinburgh was given a behind-the-scenes look ahead of its launch.
00:10During his visit he met with volunteers, conservationists and animal keepers
00:15and took part in preparing food for the zoo's troop of western lowland gorillas.
00:21The visit forms part of a wider programme designed to reintroduce the animals
00:26to visitors in a gradual and carefully managed way.
00:30The gorillas have only recently moved into their new woodland habitat
00:33after being cared for at Bristol Zoo Gardens in Clifton since its closure in 2022.
00:40Keepers remained with the troop throughout that period ensuring continuity of care
00:45until the new environment was ready.
00:47As the animals settle into their new surroundings,
00:50the zoo has begun to welcome visitors in small, controlled numbers.
00:54Initially, just 10 people at a time are being allowed into the habitat.
00:58Over the course of a month, that figure will increase to around 2,000 visitors.
01:05According to Bristol Zoological Society,
01:08this phased approach is designed to prioritise animals' welfare,
01:13allowing expert teams to monitor behaviour closely
01:16and ensure the gorillas remain comfortable and thriving in their new home.
01:21Prince Edward, who has been patron of Bristol Zoological Society since 2013,
01:27used the visit to highlight the importance of protecting natural habitats.
01:32Speaking at the site, he said many endangered animals are threatened
01:37because their environments are under pressure rather than the species themselves.
01:43He described the new African forest as a way of demonstrating the interconnection
01:49between animals, ecosystems and the wider natural world.
01:55The habitat is home to some of the world's most threatened species,
02:00including critically endangered western lowland gorillas,
02:03endangered cherry-crowned mungabees,
02:07critically endangered slender snouted crocodiles,
02:10and endangered African grey parrots,
02:13as well as several threatened species of West African freshwater fish.
02:18According to the Society, the space has been designed to replicate natural conditions,
02:23giving visitors the opportunity to observe how species interact in shared environments.
02:28Justin Morris, Chief Executive of British Zoological Society,
02:33said the project is intended to move away from traditional zoo models.
02:37He described it as an immersive conservation site,
02:39where large naturalistic habitats are built around the needs of wildlife,
02:44while also educating the public.
02:46The development also connects directly to the Society's conservation work in Equatorial Guinea,
02:51helping protect gorillas and other species in the wild,
02:54and linking the visitor experience to global efforts to safeguard endangered habitats.
02:58So, let's see.
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