African Forest Opens at Bristol Zoo Project

01.04.2026

2 minute read

The long-awaited African Forest habitat has now opened at Bristol Zoo Project, marking a major milestone in the transformation of the site into one of the UK’s most ambitious conservation attractions.

Designed to recreate the dense rainforest landscapes of Central Africa, the new habitat provides a dramatically larger and more natural environment for Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas, alongside other species including cherry-crowned mangabeys, African grey parrots and slender-snouted crocodiles. The new forest area is over four times the size of the gorillas’ previous home and has been carefully designed to encourage natural behaviours such as climbing, foraging and social interaction.

A Collaborative Conservation Project

The African Forest forms part of a wider masterplan for the site led by Bristol Zoological Society, with architecture by FCBStudios, landscaping by Grant Associates, engineering by Momentum and Project Management from Ridge. The design brings together architecture, landscape and habitat design to create an immersive environment that supports animal welfare while educating visitors about global conservation.

Within the new gorilla house, the team at Carpenter Oak played a key role in crafting the gorilla gym – a series of large timber climbing structures designed specifically for the strength, intelligence and behavioural needs of gorillas.

Crafting the Gorilla Gym

Carpenter Oak designed and hand-crafted the internal climbing structures using sustainably sourced timber, combining traditional carpentry skills with careful structural engineering. The gym spans multiple indoor areas and provides a network of platforms, beams and climbing routes that allow the gorillas to move naturally through the space.

These structures are not simply architectural features – they are critical behavioural enrichment, encouraging the animals to climb, swing, rest and interact in ways that mirror their natural rainforest habitat. The design required a deep understanding of both timber construction and animal movement, ensuring the structure could safely withstand the considerable weight and strength of adult gorillas.

For Carpenter Oak, the project presented a unique opportunity to apply our specialist knowledge of large-section timber structures in a completely different context from traditional buildings.

Bristol Zoo Project's gorilla troop exploring their new gym

Timber, Craft and Sustainability

The use of timber within the habitat reflects a broader commitment to sustainability across the Bristol Zoo Project. Carefully selected hardwood timbers create robust, naturalistic structures that integrate visually with the surrounding environment while offering exceptional durability.

For Carpenter Oak’s team of designers and carpenters, the work combined traditional craftsmanship with conservation goals – creating structures that are both functional and expressive of the material.

A New Chapter for Bristol Zoo

The opening of African Forest represents a major step forward for Bristol Zoo Project, which continues to evolve as a centre for wildlife conservation, education and research. Visitors can now explore an immersive landscape designed to highlight the ecological richness of African rainforests and the urgent need to protect endangered species.

For Carpenter Oak, contributing to a habitat that supports animal wellbeing while inspiring visitors about conservation demonstrates how specialist timber craftsmanship can play a role in shaping meaningful, nature-focused environments.

Interested in how structural timber can support innovative and sustainable projects?

Explore more of Carpenter Oak’s work or get in touch with our team to discuss how traditional timber framing can contribute to unique architectural and environmental projects.