A well attended event where attendees were hoping to relive their childhood memories. They were not disappointed by Martin who showed many old pictures of the zoo as well as an interesting and sometimes amusing dialogue.

Bristol is the fifth oldest zoo in the world although small at 12 acres. Vienna being the first at 40 acres, in comparison.

It opened in 1836 and has help save 175 species from extinction over the years. It is still involved in projects around the world. Indeed, it still maintains the Avon Gorge habitat and its unique plants.

In 1914 the zoo was home to the first chimpanzee born in captivity, named Adam. Other notable events, Monkey Temple opened in 1928, 1935 the Polar Bear enclosure, 1958 first Black Rhino born in captivity, 1963 introduction of White Tigers. It was interesting to know that the pacing polar bear Nina was due to a previous captivity with inadequate space.

Probably the most famous resident was Alfred the gorilla, 1930 – 1948, weighing 25 stone. In comparison today, Jock weighs 32 stone and with the other gorillas are still on site. Another, Rosie the elephant died 1961 (replaced by Wendy), 80,000 rides a year!

The memorable gardens were also covered, some of the numbers involved were quite remarkable, 5,300 bulbs in one bed, 30,0000 summer bedding plants. All planted by hand.

The Car Park Attendant story! He was employed by the zoo, but the land was owned by Bristol Council contrary to the rumours.

Why did it close? It was losing money and was not doing the animals any good. The Bear Pit pole and Monkey Temple will be incorporated in any new designs for the area.

The future: Bristol Zoo Project at Cribbs Causeway(Hollywood Estate bequeathed in the 1960s), in time (a long time) will be larger than Longleat.

The talk finished with some poignant questioning, admirably fielded by Martin.