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Urban Explorers Find Gorillas Still Trapped in Abandoned Bristol Zoo
In an abandoned zoo, long since closed to the public, an eerie sight has emerged: gorillas, still confined in their old enclosures, pressing against glass windows, their knuckles tapping softly, like a desperate plea for freedom. The video, taken by urban explorers who had gained access to the overgrown site, has gone viral, sparking a wave of questions and concerns from the public. How could such a thing happen? Why are these gorillas still locked up in an empty zoo? What exactly is going on behind the gates of Bristol Zoo Gardens? And perhaps more hauntingly: what is the zoo hiding?
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Bristol Zoo, which closed its doors to visitors in 2022, has recently found itself at the heart of an unsettling debate. A group of urban explorers filmed the now-deserted zoo, focusing on the gorillas still living within their dilapidated enclosures. The footage shows the gorillas seemingly “banging” on the windows of their enclosure, stirring up emotions across social media. But the footage has raised more questions than answers, as it is paired with accusations of abandonment and mistreatment. Could these animals really be left alone in a deserted zoo, forgotten by all?
As the video continues to spread, the truth behind these animals’ situation becomes more complicated than the narrative of neglect that some have pushed online. The gorillas are far from abandoned, but they are living through an unusual and in some cases, dangerous time. What seems like an unsettling scene is, in reality, a mix of good intentions, miscommunication, and a zoo stuck in transition.
Gorillas Left Behind in an Abandoned Zoo
The video was uploaded by the urban explorers who had gained access to the former zoo site. They filmed the gorillas in their enclosures, seemingly responding to the explorers’ presence by pressing their faces against the glass. One gorilla is even seen tapping at the window, a moment that quickly became the focal point of the video.
As the camera pans across the derelict zoo, viewers are greeted with images of overgrown paths and empty animal habitats. In the video, the explorers express their disbelief, claiming they were able to “just walk straight in” to the zoo. “There was no security,” one of them notes. “We spent an hour and a half in there and even came back two days later.” Their curiosity about the fate of the gorillas and the zoo’s apparent secrecy was the driving force behind the video’s viral success.
The explorers’ frustrations are palpable. “What are you hiding? What is it you don’t want everyone to know?” they ask, as though unraveling some grand conspiracy. The video ends with a stark statement: “These gorillas should never be in here.” Their message is clear: the animals have been left in an abandoned zoo, forgotten by those who should care for them.
But the reality is not so straightforward.
What’s Really Happening at Bristol Zoo?
Despite the growing concern online, the truth is that the gorillas are not trapped in some forgotten corner of a long-closed zoo. They are not left to languish in neglect. Rather, they are in a temporary holding facility while work continues on their new home at the Bristol Zoo Project. This new site, located a few miles away at the former Wild Place Project, is designed to house the gorillas in a much larger, more natural environment. But that new habitat is still under construction, and until it’s finished, the gorillas remain in their old enclosures at the Clifton site.
Bristol Zoo’s response to the viral video has been clear. The gorillas are cared for daily by an experienced team of keepers. Their routine has remained consistent since the zoo’s closure. The zoo’s statement clarifies that the troop’s new home will be ready within the next few months, and until then, they will continue to reside at their current location. The new habitat is expected to be four and a half times the size of their current living space, designed to replicate the dense forests of Equatorial Guinea, where the gorillas’ wild cousins live.
Bristol Zoo made a public plea to clarify the situation, explaining that the gorillas have access to spacious outdoor areas, as well as temperature-controlled indoor spaces. Their well-being is closely monitored by a dedicated team. Despite this, the growing public outcry based on the explorers’ footage has created a tense atmosphere surrounding the zoo’s actions.
The Consequences of Trespassing: A Closer Look at Zoo Security
Since the closure of the zoo, Bristol Zoo has been forced to contend with a string of break-ins, as urban explorers and other trespassers have gained access to the site. These incidents have caused a considerable amount of distress not just to the animals, but to the staff as well. Every time someone sneaks onto the premises, alarms are triggered, causing a disturbance that affects the gorillas’ daily routines. This, in turn, has led to what the zoo describes as “distress” for the animals.
“The alarms set off when trespassers break in cause distress to our gorillas,” the zoo explained in a statement. “It often leads them to miss sleep, which disrupts their routine and leaves them groggy and lethargic.” The consequences of these disruptions are more than just minor inconveniences. The gorillas’ behavioral training for their eventual move to the new habitat is being affected by these intrusions.
In response, the zoo has stepped up security at the site, hoping to prevent further incidents. The measures include heightened surveillance and restricted access to the premises, but the problem persists. The zoo also reported that while trespassers have been unable to get near the gorillas due to the increased security, the alarms still cause unnecessary stress for the animals.
Urban Exploration and the Dangers of Misleading Content
The nature of urban exploration, especially when it intersects with viral content, has raised ethical concerns. In their quest for sensational footage, some explorers have blurred the lines between curiosity and irresponsibility. The explorers behind the viral video claim they were only trying to “spread awareness” about the gorillas’ plight. However, their actions have not gone unnoticed by the zoo or animal welfare groups.
“Unfortunately, the articles printed are very misleading,” said a Bristol Zoo spokesperson. “Each time this content is shared, it encourages more break-ins, causing distress to our gorillas.” The zoo has been clear about its frustration with the spread of misinformation. The claims made by explorers, such as the gorillas being abandoned or locked in isolation, are far from accurate.
One major issue is the attention-seeking nature of some of these videos. Many social media influencers have latched onto the story to build their own online presence. While they may believe they are highlighting a major issue, they often lack the necessary knowledge about animal care and welfare. This results in content that not only spreads misinformation but also puts both the animals and the explorers at risk.
The Ethical Debate: Captivity and Welfare of the Gorillas
Even if the gorillas are being well cared for, the ethical debate surrounding their continued captivity remains. Animal rights groups, including the Born Free Foundation, have criticized the zoo for continuing to house the gorillas in captivity, especially while their new enclosure is unfinished. In their report, Born Free stated that great apes, like gorillas, are particularly vulnerable to the psychological strain of captivity, especially when kept in unnatural proximity to humans.
But for Bristol Zoo, the situation is more complex. The gorillas are not being held in a cramped, degrading environment. Instead, they still have access to plenty of space within their enclosure. Moreover, they are being cared for by a dedicated team of keepers who provide them with the necessary enrichment and interaction. Despite this, the zoo’s position has been questioned by some animal welfare advocates, particularly those who argue that keeping the gorillas in captivity for such an extended period could have adverse psychological effects.
Why Are People Concerned?
The emotional response from the public is understandable. The video showing the gorillas “banging on the glass” is haunting. It evokes a visceral reaction, particularly when paired with the implication of abandonment. But it’s essential to remember that this response comes from a place of concern for the animals’ well-being, not malice.
Many people simply want answers. “Bristol Zoo: What are you hiding?” one explorer asked. “What is it you don’t want everyone to know?” These questions reflect genuine concern, but they also speak to a larger issue: transparency. Bristol Zoo, like many institutions, has struggled to communicate its plans in a way that resonates with the public. Had there been clearer communication about the timeline for the gorillas’ move and the security measures in place, much of the controversy could have been avoided.
Bristol Zoo’s Defense: Misunderstood and Misinformation
While some continue to criticize the zoo’s handling of the situation, Bristol Zoo has remained firm in its defense. The gorillas’ care and welfare remain a top priority. The zoo’s spokesperson stated, “We take these incidents extremely seriously and the care and welfare of our animals is always our top priority.” But the viral content has complicated matters. It has caused unnecessary panic and perpetuated false narratives about the zoo’s intentions.
While the explorers may have acted with good intentions, the misinformation they spread has had real-world consequences. The zoo has urged the public to seek information from verified sources, emphasizing that the gorillas’ situation is far from dire. Their new home is almost ready, and they will soon have more space to roam and explore. The waiting period is difficult, but it is a temporary phase.
A Temporary Home Until a Better Future
In a few months, the gorillas will be moved to their new home, where they will have access to more space, more natural surroundings, and more opportunities to thrive. But until that time comes, they remain in the capable hands of the zoo’s dedicated team. The urban explorers may have intended to raise awareness, but their video, though compelling, was only part of the story. The full picture reveals a zoo that is working hard to provide for its animals in an interim period, despite the challenges it faces.
For those truly concerned about the welfare of the gorillas, it’s essential to trust the professionals caring for them and avoid drawing conclusions based on misleading content. The gorillas’ future is bright, and with patience, they will soon be settled into their new, more expansive home.