The Brookfield Zoo’s Great Ape Exhibit, part of the Tropic World habitat, is undergoing a significant expansion to provide a more naturalistic and engaging experience for both the primates and visitors. This two-acre expansion will feature indoor and outdoor habitats for two gorilla troops, orangutans, and several species of South American monkeys, creating an immersive and educational experience for zoo-goers.
Expansion Overview
The Brookfield Zoo’s Great Ape Exhibit expansion will cover approximately 2 acres, offering a range of features and amenities for both the animals and visitors. Key details of the expansion include:
- New Space: The expansion will include both indoor and outdoor habitats for two gorilla troops (a family unit and a bachelor group), as well as outdoor areas for orangutans and several species of South American monkeys.
- Habitat Features: The new habitats will feature running water features, climbing structures, grasses, and vines, creating a more naturalistic environment for the primates.
- Landscaping: The outdoor exhibit will be planted with 75 new trees, 500 shrubs, and several pollinator gardens, further enhancing the natural ambiance.
- Gorilla Conservation Center: A new two-story building will house an indoor habitat on the ground floor and a primate conservation center on the upper floor, featuring a state-of-the-art learning space for the public and a dedicated home for the King Conservation Leadership Academy.
Design and Construction
The Brookfield Zoo’s Great Ape Exhibit expansion has been carefully designed to provide a naturalistic and immersive experience for both the primates and visitors.
Design Highlights
- Naturalistic Landscaping: The outdoor habitat will feature sloping landscaping, large panes of glass, and mesh-netted enclosures to allow visitors to be in close proximity to the great apes.
- Visitor Accessibility: The two-story glass windows will enable visitors to observe the primates up close and witness their natural behaviors.
Construction Timeline
- Start Date: Construction on the expansion project began in 2023.
- Completion Date: The project is expected to be completed in 2025, with the potential for extensions into 2026 as the animals acclimate to their new habitats.
Visitor Experience
The Brookfield Zoo’s Great Ape Exhibit expansion is designed to offer an immersive and educational experience for visitors.
Exhibit Layout
- Outdoor Areas: The outdoor exhibit will include four separate areas for the different primate species, providing a more engaging and diverse experience for visitors.
- Glass Windows: The new habitats will feature two-story glass windows, allowing visitors to observe the primates up close and witness their natural behaviors.
Educational Opportunities
- Gorilla Conservation Center: The new Gorilla Conservation Center will offer educational opportunities and a chance for visitors to observe the primates in their new habitats, while also learning about conservation efforts.
Additional Information
- Cost: The expansion project is estimated to cost between $50 million and $66 million.
- Groundbreaking Ceremony: An official groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for the fall of 2023.