Ridge are providing project management services on one of the UK's most ambitious conservation developments. Phase one, the African Forest habitat, opens today.

A new kind of zoo 

Bristol Zoo Project’s African Forest opens to the public today and is the first completed habitat in the ambitious masterplan for Bristol Zoo Project. Driven by Bristol Zoological Society’s mission to ‘Save Wildlife Together’, the development sets a new standard for what a modern conservation zoo can be: immersive animal habitats designed for the 21st century, where welfare, education, and conservation sit at the heart of everything. 

The animals 

The new African Forest habitat is now home to some of the world’s most threatened species:. Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas and slender-snouted crocodiles, Endangered cherry-crowned mangabeys and African grey parrots, and several extremely threatened species of West African freshwater fish.  The gorilla and mangabey habitat is four and a half times the size of the gorilla troop’s former home at Bristol Zoo Gardens.  

Bristol Zoological Society’s conservation work extends far beyond the zoo itself. The Society works with local communities in Monte Alén National Park in Equatorial Guinea, to find ways for people and wildlife to co-exist, which includes the Critically Endangered western lowland gorilla. A reminder that what happens inside the African Forest habitat is connected to a much wider effort to protect species in the wild. 

Our role 

Ridge was appointed as Project Manager for the design phase from RIBA Stage 3, overseeing the phased design and delivery of the new conservation zoo. We developed a structured project programme, carefully phased the works, and devised an efficient procurement strategy. A robust change control and value engineering process supported the client in targeting a 15% cost saving across the project. Ridge was then appointed as Employer’s Agent for the duration of the African Forest construction, helping the zoo navigate and monitor the progress against the contract to completion. 

”Working on Bristol Zoo Project’s new African Forest habitat from design to completion has been unparalleled. Gorillas, mangabeys, crocodiles and parrots make for stakeholders we’ll unlikely ever account for again — and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see the whole team’s efforts transformed into the incredible space opening today.”

Kat Hill, Senior Project Manager

The detail that makes the difference 

The work demanded close collaboration with zoo staff, conservationists, and a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that animal welfare, visitor experience, and environmental protection all shaped the outcome. Ecological considerations were central throughout: native badgers were relocated during construction, and habitats were designed with a level of detail that reflects the animals living in them. That means privacy areas for species that need them, construction robust enough to contain the strength of a gorilla, and barriers that account for the agility of mangabeys. 

Looking ahead 

Phase one is the beginning. Ridge continues to support Bristol Zoological Society as the wider masterplan takes shape – helping to plan, budget, and deliver what comes next. 

We’re proud of the team, and of what Bristol Zoological Society is creating at Bristol Zoo Project.