Bristol Zoo’s central African forest project
ATL have recently completed works on Bristol Zoo’s central African forest project
Following a successful tender process, ATL were awarded the specialist crocodile exhibit work scope on Bristol Zoo’s central African project by Beard construction Ltd. This state of the art facility will house critically endangered West African slender – snouted crocodiles and is located at the new Bristol zoo site located just off junction 17 of the M5 motorway. The facility opens to the public on the 1st April 2026.
Working alongside the exhibit designers Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios we helped develop the specific exhibit detailing. As with all projects the preplanning and specification of cast in pipework is vital to ensure it was included during the pool construction works. This included bespoke drain box sumps with dedicated air feeds to clear detritus and debris reducing the need for keepers to enter the exhibit in operation. Our GRP composite lining technicians provided bi colour water proofing to the entire exhibit areas including the extensive off show and back of house areas.
ATL composite water proofing application at Bristol Zoo’s central African forest
We designed and manufactured the large semi submerged low iron heat soak toughened and laminated glass viewing panels. The overhanging roof canopy of the building presented our skilled glazing technicians with a challenging installation. However using state of the art robotic vacuum lifting equipment the windows were safely installed and successfully sealed in position.
Large glass viewing panel installation
ATL team guiding the glass panel into the rebate
Bristol Zoo’s animal team were heavily involved with the concept design of the exhibit theming based around very specific habitat requirements for the crocodiles and fish. To help visualisation and to ensure continuity between initial concept and final design a 3d scale model was commissioned from reputed attraction industry expert David Lazenby This model proved invaluable and was used to refine and develop the final habitat design.
A scale model of the Bristol Zoo crocodile theming
As the exhibit matures it will be full of natural planting and ATL incorporated a series of bespoke composite hydroponic planters into the back drops. To closely replicate the conditions found in the wild, these planters are directly fed with fast flowing system water before returning back to the pool. ATL collaborated with their long standing partner Koda Creative who were entrusted to deliver the naturalistic habitat theming and artificial decor for the project.
Creating the shapes of the mud bank theming in Bristol Zoo
Planting in progress. In tank theming included mud banks with tree roots and under hangs for fish and a stream cascade across the land area.
Meanwhile behind the scenes our life support technicians installed all of the dedicated life support system (LSS) equipment for the crocodile exhibit. This included a large drum filter, full flow ultra violet disinfection, Co2 injection and exhibit water temperature regulation using energy efficient heat pumps. Key water parameters are constantly monitored with probes and sensors linked to the environmental services panels. Other specialist contractors provided a rain water recovery and reverse osmosis system providing top up water for the system.
Part of the LSS room in Bristol Zoo central African forest
ATL drum filter installation for the croc tank
Last week ahead of the opening to the public, His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh who has been Patron of Bristol Zoological Society since 2013, went behind the scenes at Bristol Zoo’s central african forest project to meet volunteers, conservationists, and animal keepers.
This is the latest in a long line of project collaborations between ATL and Bristol Zoo dating back into the 1990’s. We are proud to have supported Bristol Zoo’s central african forest project. Rather than traditional zoo enclosures, the site is being developed as an immersive conservation zoo, where visitors experience large, naturalistic habitats designed around the needs of wildlife. We certainly look forward to seeing Bristol Zoo’s approach flourish into the future. More details can found here
