The 8th International Penguin Conference will take place in Bristol, a vibrant city in the West of England, about 200km west of London.  Bristol developed as an important port and has a long maritime tradition – in recent years the old City Docks have largely been converted to leisure pursuits and now boast a diverse range of museums, a major science centre as well as an aquarium. 

The University of Bristol was founded in 1876 as the University College of Bristol. It was the first university in the UK to accept men and women on an equal basis. The Bristol Medical School, founded in 1833, became part of the College in 1893. In 1909 the College combined with the Merchant Venturers College to become the University of Bristol and was granted its Royal Charter.  Today it is regarded as one of the best universities in the UK.

Bristol Zoo Gardens was founded in 1835 by a group of eminent local citizens and opened to the public in 1836. It is the fifth oldest Zoo in the world, and the oldest one that is not in a capital city.  In recent years the Zoo has developed its educational and scientific roles. Full-time education and science officers are employed and great emphasis is placed on activities that help both to educate the public and conserve wildlife.  In particular, the launch of the Bristol Conservation and Science Foundation in 2008 marked the Zoo’s commitment to conservation-based research.

There is much to see and do in the area. A good place to start to find out what is available is from the visit-Bristol and City of Bristol web sites (http://visitbristol.co.uk/ and http://www.bristol.gov.uk/ccm/navigation/leisure-and-culture/).