Who we are

This campaign was started in a feeling that the Zoo’s case for closing the Clifton site just didn’t add up. It felt that an important and long-established amenity enjoyed by millions of Bristolians over the years was being shuttered and lost all too lightly.

Digging into the business case, the figures and the arguments and the sudden change of strategic direction by the Zoo only increased the feeling of outrage and the need to do something about it.

We are not being paid or influenced by commercial interests, we do not wish to buy or operate the site. 

Indeed, our first preference would be for the Zoo and its Trustees to change direction then to reimagine and reopen the Clifton site - which was their stated intention up until 2019.

Meet a few of the people behind these efforts below; we hope that you will agree and support the campaign.

  • Tom Jones

    A musician and lifelong Bristol resident (pictured above) who’s passionate about the future of Bristol Zoo Gardens.

  • Alastair Sawday

    Publisher, founder of Sawday’s, co-founder of Sustrans and of Bristol’s Friends of the Earth.

  • Iain Boyd

    Heritage advocate, Council member of the National Trust, and former Chair of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.