By Daniel Brooks • UK News & Animals
Staff at Bristol Zoo Project have spoken publicly after receiving death threats linked to a viral video that falsely suggested a group of gorillas had been abandoned following the closure of Bristol Zoo Gardens.
The footage, filmed by trespassers inside the former Clifton site, quickly spread across social media platforms — prompting outrage among viewers who believed the animals were being mistreated.
Zoo officials say the reaction highlights how quickly misinformation can escalate once short clips circulate without context.
How the Viral Video Spread
The footage was filmed inside the closed Bristol Zoo Gardens site after it shut to visitors in 2022.
Urban explorers reportedly entered the closed zoo grounds and filmed gorillas banging against enclosure windows.
Clips shared online suggested the animals had been left behind when the zoo shut its doors — claims that quickly gained traction across social media.
However, Bristol Zoological Society later confirmed the gorillas had remained at the site temporarily while a new habitat was completed nearby.
Experienced keepers, veterinary staff and welfare specialists continued caring for the animals every day during the transition period.
Staff Targeted After Online Backlash
According to zoo representatives, the situation escalated rapidly once the footage went viral.
Members of the communications team responsible for responding online reportedly received threatening messages, including death threats, from people who believed the animals were being neglected.
Staff said many of the messages appeared to come from individuals who had only seen edited clips rather than verified information.
Zoo leaders described the abuse as deeply upsetting for employees and volunteers who had spent years caring for the animals.
Why the Gorillas Stayed at the Old Zoo
Zoo officials said keeping the gorillas in familiar surroundings was the safest option until their new habitat was ready.
Bristol Zoo Gardens closed permanently in 2022 following financial pressures linked to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Most animals were relocated to the nearby Bristol Zoo Project conservation park.
The gorilla troop remained temporarily at the Clifton site because their new African Forest habitat had not yet been completed.
Officials said moving the animals twice would have caused unnecessary stress and could have affected their welfare.
The new enclosure is significantly larger and designed to replicate natural forest environments.
Trespassing Raised Further Safety Concerns
Zoo staff also warned that viral attention encouraged additional break-ins at the closed site.
Each unauthorised entry triggered alarm systems designed to protect both animals and property.
Keepers said repeated disturbances disrupted routines and risked delaying preparation work for the move.
Authorities confirmed intruders were never able to directly access the animals.
A Positive Outcome for the Gorilla Troop
The gorillas have now moved into a larger conservation habitat designed to support long-term welfare and breeding programmes.
Zoo officials say the critically endangered western lowland gorillas have now successfully moved into their new home at the conservation park.
The purpose-built environment includes expanded outdoor areas, climbing structures and enrichment features designed to support natural behaviour.
The attraction is expected to open to visitors later this year once the animals have fully settled.
Conservation teams described the relocation as a major milestone for future breeding and protection programmes.
Key Points at a Glance
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Viral footage filmed by trespassers sparked online backlash
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Zoo staff later received threats linked to misinformation
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The gorillas were never abandoned and continued receiving care
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They remained at the old site temporarily for welfare reasons
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The troop has now moved into a larger conservation habitat.
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