When videos surfaced showing gorillas inside the closed Bristol Zoo Gardens site, many viewers feared the animals had been abandoned after the zoo shut its doors in 2022. Footage filmed by urban explorers, who trespassed onto the property, appeared to show the gorillas trapped and distressed, sparking outrage online. However, zoo officials later clarified that the animals were never left behind. Instead, the troop of eight western lowland gorillas remained at the Clifton site temporarily while a new, specially designed habitat was being built for them at the nearby Bristol Zoo Project. During this period, professional keepers continued to care for the animals daily, maintaining their routines and ensuring proper welfare while preparations for their relocation progressed.

Recently, preparations for the long-awaited move have begun, with specialist transport vehicles and increased security spotted at the site. Zoo representatives explained that the relocation process is carefully planned to minimize stress for the gorillas, and exact dates are kept private to avoid disruption. They also warned that repeated break-ins triggered alarms that disturbed the animals and complicated training for the move. The gorillas’ new home, an expansive African Forest habitat complete with enrichment areas and indoor facilities, is expected to open to visitors soon. What began as a viral misunderstanding has now turned into a hopeful update, as the gorillas prepare to leave their temporary home for a modern environment built specifically for their long-term comfort and conservation, reassuring the public that their welfare has remained the top priority throughout the transition.