The Brookfield Zoo recently celebrated the grand opening of its new three-acre primate exhibit, the James and Elizabeth Bramsen Tropical Forests, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by zoo leaders, local officials, donors, and guests. This $66 million project aims to provide a naturalistic environment for the zoo’s inhabitants, including lowland gorillas, spider monkeys, orangutans, and other primates.
According to Zoo President and CEO Dr. Michael Adkesson, the exhibit features four outdoor areas and two indoor habitats that replicate the native environments of these primate species. Notably, five of the ten spider monkeys in the zoo were rescued from smugglers, arriving at their new home in December.
One of the exciting features of the exhibit is the overhead tunnels that allow the animals to move freely between indoor and outdoor spaces while visitors walk below. Kim Skelton, the director of primate care and conservation, noted that the silverback gorillas communicate through these tunnels, often banging on them to relay messages to their peers. She shared insight into the social dynamics at play, highlighting the protective instincts of a silverback named Jontu, who is safeguarding his family from wandering bachelor males vying for the attention of the females.
The construction of the habitats took approximately two and a half years, and to celebrate the occasion, the zoo has planned a weekend filled with live music and family-friendly activities, inviting the community to enjoy the new facility.
This expansion reflects a growing commitment towards conservation and providing enriched habitats for animals, creating an engaging experience for visitors that fosters awareness and appreciation for wildlife.