Bristol Zoo, which opened in 1836, is the oldest "non-capital" zoo in the world. His main task of the zoo sees "breeding those species which are in danger of extinction; preservation of rare species; dissemination of knowledge about nature. "

Bristol Zoo - Zoo old, appeared in the Victorian era. It takes a little - by modern standards - the territory, which contains about 7,000 animals of over 400 species. Some buildings of the zoo are architectural value and are under state protection, despite the fact that the animals they are now useless.

The zoo pays much attention to the breeding of rare and endangered species. For the first time in the UK has been received from the offspring of black rhinos (1958), Europe's first baby born in captivity chimpanzee (1938) and the first in the world - baby squirrel monkey (Sajmir) (1953).

It was at Bristol Zoo for the first time in the world there was a "Twilight Zone." With the help of artificial light, day and night in the aviary are reversed, and visitors can observe the life and activity of nocturnal animals. Now the "Twilight Zone" includes four sections: the desert where you can see Barkhans cat, mongoose, rattlesnakes; rain forest, home to Laurie, the sloth, the aye-aye, possum, and others; cave inhabited by blind fish, scorpions, etc .; and the house in which the nights awake mice and rats.

In the pond live a variety of waterfowl, and the island in the middle of the pond - home to gorillas and small monkeys. The cage contains a variety of amphibians and reptiles. Also, the zoo boasts a huge collection of insects: beetles and butterflies. The aquarium contains exotic fish - the inhabitants of the Amazon, coral reefs, etc.

Bristol Zoo works with other zoos around the world, participating in international programs for the conservation and reintroduction of rare animals, such as in Britain and in other countries.