THE GARDENS OF THE BRISTOL, BATH, AND WEST OF ENGLAND ZOOLOGICAL
SOCIETY, CLIFTON
The foundation of Zoological Gardens for Clifton and Bristol was
first laid by the establishment of ‘the Bristol and West of England
Zoological Society’ in 1835, when the twelve acres of land now laid out
were purchased. The situation of this ground, better known nowadays as
‘the Clifton Zoo,’ lies at a high level north of Bristol. At the north
entrance, outstretched as far as the eye can reach, extend the Clifton
and Durdham Downs. Facing the south entrance is Clifton College, whilst
in close proximity is the famous suspension bridge spanning the Avon
Gorge.
The Clifton Zoological Gardens have long since acquired a reputation
as one of the most favourable localities in the country for the
breeding and rearing of wild animals in captivity. This is a distinct
advantage no one will dispute. Moreover, although so popularly known
as Zoological Gardens, they are, as was originally intended, combined
Zoological and Botanical Gardens. Nor has the latter half of the scheme
been neglected; for the Gardens, occupying a remarkably sheltered and
retired position, are tastefully laid out with extensive lawns, rare
exotic trees, and beautiful flower-beds, which from early spring to
late autumn present a veritable kaleidoscope of varied blooms. In the
centre is the ornamental lake, which, with its islands and water-fowl,
lend additional variety to the scene; whilst around the grounds wind
shaded paths, bordered by shrubbery and rockwork, flowers and ferns,
and judiciously studded with rustic seats. In winter the ring of a
thousand pairs of skates may be heard on the lake. For the amusement
and recreation of its visitors, subscribers, and shareholders, the
Gardens are additionally provided with tennis-courts, roller-skating
rink, orchestra, and--for the children--‘giant’s strides.’ During the
summer _al fresco_ concerts are held on afternoons and evenings at
advertised dates and times, and on all public holidays the popular
fêtes form a prominent holiday feature of Bristol and the surrounding
district.
The admission to the Gardens is sixpence, and they are open on
week-days from 9 a.m. to sunset, and on Sundays to shareholders and
subscribers only from noon till 4 p.m.
The Gardens contain a fine new carnivora-house. In front of a handsome
structure of coloured glazed bricks and free-stone are commodious
iron-girt enclosures, which communicate with the dens inside and allow
the animals, when the weather and season permit, to come out into the
fresh air and sunshine. The monkey house is constructed on the best
principles for securing efficient ventilation, whilst at the same time
maintaining the high temperature that is so necessary to its tropical
inhabitants. A double set of heating pipes surrounds the principal
cage and passes round the room. The central cage is divided into three
compartments, and is furnished with a large rotating iron framework
resembling a sort of skeleton wheel, upon which the inmates amuse
themselves. In the museum in the centre of the Gardens are to be seen
mounted skins of various animals which have lived in the Gardens. There
is also a fine collection of birds, presented by Dr. H. and Mr. E.
Wheeler, also a good collection of birds’ eggs and beetles.
When the grounds were acquired it was intended that they should be
laid out, not only as Zoological Gardens, but also as an arboretum.
There are many trees in the Gardens, the most striking of which are the
evergreens, the pines, the cedars, and the cypresses. During the summer
months a number of ornamental plants are set out, such as agaves,
yuccas, fan palms, etc. There is also to be seen one of the finest
collections of ferns in England.
In 1901 the total number of visitors, irrespective of subscribers and
their friends, was 113,319. Animals sold realized £133 6s., including
a young dromedary and five lion cubs, all of which were born in the
Gardens; £249 16s. were paid for new animals, including a pair of lions
from Herr Carl Hagenbeck of Hamburg. The new lion house, built in 1900,
cost £2,742 12s. The total turnover for the year was £10,158 4s. 6d.,
the largest on record since the foundation of the Society.
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[Illustration: GARDEN AND LAKE, CLIFTON.]
On entering these pretty Gardens and turning to the left, a long
terrace, with well-kept flower-beds and trees on either side,
confronts one. The first house is the new lion house, a small but
well-made and beautifully clean structure. After this we come to
the old lion house, containing a very valuable and representative
collection of the larger carnivora. The monkey house is next, and
this is followed by the bear pits. In the centre of the Gardens is
a band-stand, a parrot and reptile house--erected in 1892--some
tennis-courts, a large lawn, upon which were grazing a number of wild
geese of many varieties, and a museum. Next we come to the elephant
house, containing an Indian elephant, some zebras, and camels. After
this the deer and zebu sheds are found, with outside paddocks, and then
we come to the aviaries. A long line of bird enclosures is now in
course of construction in the grounds.
These Gardens, although small and containing comparatively few animals
and birds, are exceedingly pretty and picturesque, and are justly
celebrated for the number of lions bred in them.