Bristol Zoo Project are looking for play testers for the opening of the new adventure playground. ‘Explorers Basecamp’, a conservation-themed playground, will open next month in time for the summer holidays in the South Gloucestershire zoo and in preparation for the opening, children are being sought to test the new area.
The three-storey tower and playground will allow children to play as well as learn about conservation, different animals and the many ecosystems that make up the planet. The first level is based on what conservationists from the Bristol Zoological Society do in the field and allows children to investigate their surroundings.
The second level is all about animals and focuses on games, including those with sensory boards and braille inserts. On the top level, there is a wobbly bridge and hammock which will allow children to relax and enjoy nature, and will teach children about technology in conservation and climate.
READ MORE: New American fashion brand set to open in Bristol
READ MORE: Another Cabot Circus restaurant announces shock closure
The playground will feature floor trampolines, a racing zipline and rope jungle. ‘Explorers Basecamp’ will also include a companion slide, a wheelchair accessible roundabout and a family swing.
In order to search for ten children to test the playground, a competition has been launched. The lucky winners will have an exclusive play session on Saturday, July 20, before the zoo opens, where they can give feedback and then spend the rest of the day at the zoo.
The children will win two day-tickets, one for themselves and one for an adult. The competition is open to children under 12 years old and they must be registered by a parent or guardian over the age of 18.
Rosie Sims, Public Engagement Manager at Bristol Zoo Project, said: “We’re hugely excited about the opening of Explorers Basecamp this summer and are proud to have created an accessible adventure play area that children of all ages, needs and abilities can enjoy. With fantastic interactive and accessible features, it offers kids the chance to learn about protecting species and habitats, through fully immersive play.
“Of course, the best people to test it for us for the first time are the children themselves, so this competition is a perfect way to find some lucky youngsters to try it out and let us know what they think.
“Adventure play specialists CAP.CO have worked with us to design and construct Explorers Basecamp, which is based on a field station, which you’d find at one of our conservation project sites around the world, for example, in Equatorial Guinea and Madagascar. What makes it so special is that sustainability, inclusivity and authenticity are at the heart of the design, with a focus on inspiring and educating young minds.”
Work will also begin on a new habitat later this month. The Central African Forest will be the home of the Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas, which are currently at the former Clifton site, and they will be joined by cherry-crowned mangabeys, slender snouted crocodiles, African grey parrots and several species of West African freshwater fish - all the species are highly threatened.
Want the latest Bristol breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join our WhatsApp group. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
