Gorillas discovered 'banging on windows' of UK zoo years after it was abandoned

Urban explorers made a heartbreaking discovery after entering an abandoned British zoo to find gorillas banging on their enclosures. They captured shocking footage inside Bristol Zoo of the apes knocking on the glass as the camera pans to reveal overgrown paths and deserted buildings. One person can be heard saying they were able to "just walk straight in" to the abandoned complex, which closed its doors to visitors three years ago.

They calimed they could have "opened the enclosure" holding the gorillas if they wanted to. They said they spent "several hours" exploring and filming the zoo to "find the animals and spread awareness", only to come back and do the same a few days later. The camerperson added: "Bristol zoo: what are you hiding? What is it you don't want everyone to know?

"These gorillas should never be in here. There was no security. We spent an hour and a half in there and even came back two days later.

"If anyone is trying to say we broke in or climbed over, it's not true. We simply went to the staff doors, pushed them open and walked straight through.

"I, like many others, didn't understand what was going on. Bristol zoo aren't very transparent at all. It's in the public interest to be transparent - that's why there is so much public attention - no one could care if they were honest."

Bristol Zoo said the gorillas would be moved "in a few months" to the new Bristol Zoo Project, which has not yet been completed but is due to be four and a half times the size of the current site.

The zoo has also been forced to increase security following a number of break ins since it closed down, which it said puts the safety of the gorillas and intruders at risk.

Bristol Zoological Society said: "It has been well publicised that the troop are still living in the Clifton site while work is completed on their new African Forest habitat at Bristol Zoo Project.

"The gorillas will be moving across to their new home in the next few months.

"In the meantime, our experienced keepers and dedicated welfare team continue to care for them, ensuring they have exactly the same routine as when the site was open to the public."