The Brookfield Zoo’s Tropic World renovation is a highly anticipated project that aims to enhance the habitats and visitor experience for the zoo’s primate residents, including western lowland gorillas, orangutans, and several species of South American monkeys. This comprehensive renovation will not only provide the animals with more naturalistic and enriching environments but also offer visitors an immersive and educational experience.
New Outdoor Habitats
At the heart of the Tropic World renovation are four new outdoor habitats that will replicate the lush, tropical forest environments these primates call home. These expansive areas will feature running water, climbing structures, diverse vegetation, and other elements that will allow the animals to engage in their natural behaviors and thrive in their new surroundings.
Gorilla Conservation Center
A standout feature of the renovation is the Gorilla Conservation Center, a state-of-the-art learning space that will serve as a dedicated home for the Chicago Zoological Society’s King Conservation Leadership Academy. This facility will boast 16 sleeping areas for the gorillas, two day rooms, and two-story-high glass windows that will provide visitors with unparalleled views of these magnificent creatures.
Naturalistic Environments
To create a truly immersive experience, the new outdoor habitats will be meticulously landscaped with 75 new trees, 500 shrubs, and a variety of pollinator gardens. This attention to detail will ensure that the primates are surrounded by a naturalistic environment that closely resembles their native habitats, enhancing their overall well-being and the visitor experience.
Visitor Experience
The Tropic World renovation will also offer visitors an unprecedented opportunity to get up close and personal with the primates. The two-story-tall glass windows in the new habitats will allow visitors to observe the animals in their natural behaviors, fostering a deeper connection and understanding of these fascinating species.
Timeline and Cost
The Tropic World renovation is a significant undertaking, with an estimated completion date of 2025. The project is expected to cost $66 million, which will not only enhance the primate habitats but also create new job opportunities and generate economic benefits for the local community.
Other Developments
The Tropic World renovation is part of a larger master plan to redevelop underutilized visitor spaces at the Brookfield Zoo, with a focus on animal welfare and conservation. Additionally, a $10 million renovation of the zoo’s dolphin habitat is also underway and is expected to be completed in 2024.
In the coming year, the zoo will also announce its Next Century Campaign, which will fund further improvements and expansions over the next decade, ensuring that the Brookfield Zoo remains a premier destination for animal lovers and conservation enthusiasts alike.
Contact Information
For more information or to inquire about the Tropic World renovation project, you can contact Sondra Katzen, the Director of Public Relations at the Brookfield Zoo:
- Office: 708-688-8351
- Cell Phone: 708-903-2071
- Email: [email protected]
The Brookfield Zoo’s Tropic World renovation is a transformative project that will not only enhance the lives of the zoo’s primate residents but also provide visitors with an immersive and educational experience. As the project progresses, the zoo’s commitment to animal welfare and conservation will continue to shine, making it a must-visit destination for zoo enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.