Wild Place Project and Bristol Zoo are related but not quite the same thing, and the confusion is understandable. Wild Place Project was the name of a 136-acre wildlife park near Cribbs Causeway that officially became Bristol Zoo Project in summer 2023, once Bristol Zoological Society moved its main zoo operation there from Bristol Zoo Gardens in Clifton. If you're looking for "Wild Place," you're looking for what is now called Bristol Zoo Project.
What actually happened
Bristol Zoo Gardens, the famous Victorian zoo in Clifton, closed permanently in September 2022 after 186 years, because its city-centre site could no longer meet modern standards for animal welfare and conservation work. Bristol Zoological Society had already been running Wild Place Project since 2013, a separate 136-acre site off the M5 near Cribbs Causeway with more space for larger habitats. Rather than start from scratch elsewhere, the Society expanded and rebranded the Wild Place site as the new Bristol Zoo Project, officially unveiling the new name in July 2023. So Wild Place Project didn't close or disappear, it became Bristol Zoo Project, incorporating animals and exhibits that moved across from the old Clifton site as part of the transition.
So is "Wild Place" worth searching for separately?
Not really, if you're planning a visit now. Any reference to "Wild Place Project" today means the same site and the same organisation as "Bristol Zoo Project." You don't need to pick between them or visit both; booking a Bristol Zoo Project ticket gets you the former Wild Place site, animals and all.
Where it is and how to get there
Bristol Zoo Project is at Blackhorse Hill, just off junction 17 of the M5, near Cribbs Causeway, around 20 to 30 minutes' drive from central Bristol depending on traffic. There's on-site parking, which makes it an easier drive-to visit than the old Clifton site ever was, though it's less convenient if you don't have a car and are relying on buses from the city centre. For the old Clifton site itself, which is being redeveloped rather than reopened as a zoo, see our guide to what happened to Bristol Zoo Gardens.
Tickets and what's there now
Standard adult day tickets are around £25 to £27.50 depending on whether you add a voluntary donation at checkout, with child tickets a little cheaper and family saver tickets available; always check current prices on the official site before booking, since they're reviewed seasonally. The site spans conservation habitats across the full 136 acres, including Bear Wood, one of the largest bear habitats in Europe, built as part of the original Wild Place Project and now one of the headline exhibits at Bristol Zoo Project.
Is it worth visiting?
Yes, particularly if you want more space to walk through larger, more naturalistic habitats than a traditional city-centre zoo can offer. It suits a half or full day out, works well with kids thanks to the amount of outdoor space and play areas, and Cribbs Causeway shopping centre is right nearby if you want to combine the visit with some shopping. For getting there without a car, see our guide to visiting Bristol Zoo Project without a car.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wild Place Project the same as Bristol Zoo Project?
Yes. Wild Place Project was renamed Bristol Zoo Project in July 2023, after Bristol Zoological Society moved its main zoo operation there from the closed Bristol Zoo Gardens in Clifton. It's the same 136-acre site near Cribbs Causeway.
Did Wild Place Project close?
No, it didn't close, it was renamed and expanded. The habitats and much of what made Wild Place Project distinctive, including Bear Wood, carried over into Bristol Zoo Project.
Is Bristol Zoo Project the same as the old Bristol Zoo in Clifton?
No. The old Bristol Zoo Gardens in Clifton closed permanently in September 2022. Bristol Zoo Project is a different site near Cribbs Causeway, run by the same charity, Bristol Zoological Society.
Where is Bristol Zoo Project (formerly Wild Place Project)?
At Blackhorse Hill, just off junction 17 of the M5, near Cribbs Causeway, with on-site parking.
Is it worth visiting Bristol Zoo Project?
Yes, especially if you want spacious, naturalistic habitats rather than a compact city-centre zoo. Bear Wood, one of Europe's largest bear habitats, is a particular highlight.
How much does a ticket to Bristol Zoo Project cost?
Adult day tickets are typically around £25 to £27.50 depending on whether you add a voluntary donation at checkout, with cheaper child and family saver options. Check the official site for current prices before you book, since they're reviewed seasonally.