San Antonio Zoo has announced that gorillas are returning to the destination in Texas, which is developing the new $15 million Congo Falls habitat, one of the largest gorilla homes in the US.
The zoo’s last gorilla resident, Mopie, relocated to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in 1990. An area of the San Antonio Zoo currently known as Tree Top will become a unique gorilla habitat called Congo Falls.
The two-acre Congo Falls area is in the final design stages. San Antonio Zoo is fundraising for the project, which includes special spaces, vistas and exploration opportunities for gorillas and guests.
“We can’t overstate the excitement we have for bringing gorillas back to San Antonio Zoo,” said Tim Morrow, president and CEO of San Antonio Zoo.
“We are one of just a few large city zoos that do not care for great apes, such as gorillas.”
Two-acre Congo Falls gorilla home
“Many children and adults in our community have never had the opportunity to see and learn about this amazing species,” Morrow added. “They now will!”
San Antonio Zoo recently opened the new Neotropica realm, featuring a ‘jaguar catwalk’ that allows the big cats to use their natural climbing abilities. Earlier this year, the zoo announced a new entrance experience alongside PGAV Destinations.
“The current entrance was built in the 1950s, and it is long overdue for a makeover,” Morrow said. “Our goal is to create a sense of awe and wonder when our guests arrive, welcome them efficiently, and make a statement that this is San Antonio.”
San Antonio Zoo’s new projects focus on improved accessibility and safety. The attraction is creating larger, more natural and enriching habitats for its animal residents.
Anyone who wants to contribute to the gorilla habitat can email the zoo’s development team at development@sazoo.org.
Images: San Antonio Zoo
