CHAPTER XXXIV
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.
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.