Save Bristol Zoo Gardens - March update
We were delighted with the support at our Open Meeting on 22 February. We had over 250 people in the room and a very lively question and answer session that could have continued well into the evening.
In written statements at the meeting, one Zoo shareholder stated: ‘I feel we were forced to vote in favour of the sale of the Clifton site’ while another stated: ‘It felt like it was a done deal….other options were not available to even be discussed’ and ‘I now feel completely duped’.
The meeting heard that the Zoological Society’s abrupt change in strategy and abandonment of Bristol Zoo was based on spin about declining visitors and financial difficulties, none of which stood up when compared with their own published figures.
There was widespread shock when we showed that the Zoo’s claim that all the animals would get bigger and better accommodation at the Wild Place was also misleading, and that the Wild Place site in South Gloucestershire needs massive investment for any hope of success.
Allegations were heard of high-handed behaviour by the Zoo’s Board, who announced the strategy to close the Zoo at the 2020 AGM, then immediately publicised the decision widely in the press. They then pushed a consenting vote on shareholders just three weeks later, leaving no real opportunity for reflection or debate.
Thank you if you took part in this passionate meeting. We are forcing the debate now, and rely on your continued support to get a better outcome for Bristol.
From the SAVE Bristol Zoo Gardens team.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Join a March and Protest at the Zoo
We are holding a march and protest Sunday March 12th and it would be fantastic if you would join in. Timing details:
10.45: Gather at Victoria Rooms, 88 Queens Road, Bristol BS8 1SA
11.00: Leave Victoria Rooms to march to Bristol Zoo Gardens entrance
11.30: Arrive at entrance of Bristol Zoo Gardens
If you are planning on joining in, we would encourage you to bring things that draw attention to the group, such as banners, dressing up, bringing some kind of noise maker (a kazoo, a trumpet even!) Everyone is welcome.
Bristol Council Planning Meeting
Having organised hundreds of objections to the Zoo’s housing scheme, we were all set to field a number of powerful personal representations at the planning committee’s meeting next Wednesday. However, the Council has just postponed the meeting, and decision, yet again, to April 26th.
If you have a particular view on the planning application and would like to make a representation at the planning committee in April, please email <campaign@savebristolzoogardens.org>. We are trying to organise and coordinate speakers and can help advise on what is likely to make the most impact on councillors.
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?
Please Support the Campaign
The costs of running a fighting campaign is small compared to the many hundreds of thousands that Zoo has spent, but it is real money from our own pockets: printing, leafletting, booking meeting places, running the web site and social media, and getting expert advice from lawyers, accountants and other professionals. Please contribute if you can, so we can do as much as possible.
Please go to our ‘JustGiving’ page
Sign the Petition
If you have added your name already, then thank you, and please encourage one or more friends or family to sign as well to swell the numbers. The more people who sign, the more weight it will have with Councillors and Planners, also the Trustees and Shareholders who decide the fate of the Zoo Gardens and who can still change its direction.
Click here to sign the Petition
Object to the Planning Application
Our number one priority is to create time for a proper discussion about the site’s future which means stopping the planning application currently in the pipeline. You can file your own objection as hundreds of others have already. It’s easy and it’s your right as a concerned citizen. Bristol’s future depends on you.