Popular children’s TV presenter Andy Day has swapped dinosaur adventures for local nature as part of Bristol Zoo Project’s AutumnFest celebrations.
He’s been at the attraction to lead a group of youngsters on the zoo’s seasonal ‘Spotter’s Trail’. It encourages visitors to become nature spotters and explore the site’s woodlands to find conkers, jays and acorns, as well as the zoo’s latest residents, Philippine spotted deer.
Andy, who is also the frontman of the band Andy & The Oddsocks, led the group in looking for items on the trail map, while also spotting the different animals who live at the zoo, including bears, wolves, giraffe and cheetah.
Andy said, “I’ve been coming to Bristol Zoo Project with my family since it opened, and we love it here – it just gets better and better. It’s been really exciting to find out about plans to create a new conservation zoo here, it’s so important to help the world’s most critically endangered species.
“Autumn is one of my favourite seasons and a fantastic time of the year for kids to get out and about and learn about nature – my little girl loves this season for that very reason too, there is so much to see. The AutumnFest Spotter’s Trail is a perfect way to do this – we managed to find most of the items on the trail map and of course, spotted many of the zoo’s animals along the way, the giraffes are always my favourite to see.”
Andrew Harrison, Landscape Manager at Bristol Zoo Project, added, “Autumn is the perfect time to visit. As well as animals from across the world, there is so much amazing UK wildlife and you can discover the golden leaves, mushrooms, plus spiders and their beautiful webs.
“It’s a great time to explore if you prefer a quieter visit outside of school holidays. Being immersed in nature is so important for children’s and adults’ wellbeing.”
Owned by Bristol Zoological Society, Bristol Zoo Project will become a new conservation zoo over the coming years, where around 80 percent of animals will be linked to its conservation work.
Construction is expected to start in 2024 and will include the creation of new spaces for animals with new species, visitor facilities, exciting play areas and a conservation campus for students, vets and the breeding of threatened animals.
AutumnFest continues at Bristol Zoo Project, which is just off J17 of the M5, until 30 November 2023. The 136-acre attraction is also gearing up for its Howl’oween events at the end of October, which will include a witch’s campsite where children can listen to spooky stories and take part in themed craft making. Visitors will also be able to learn about animal bones, skulls and x-rays, with a little ‘trick or treat’ surprise at the end.
The Howl-oween and AutumnFest trails and activities are included in general admission prices and under twos go free.
To find out more and to book tickets, visit bristolzoo.org.uk. Book a day before your visit or earlier, for 10% off.