During 2004, Ursa was asked to work with the Zoo staff to develop a comprehensive plan for renovations of the Gorilla exhibits at the Tropical Forest Building.  The project led to a plan to top the interior of the gorilla exhibit, provide viewing blinds and enhanced gorilla exhibitry, a new interior holding area and exterior exhibit for the bachelor gorillas, as well as renovations to the Vet Hospital to better accommodate gorillas.  This plan was approved in 2005 and Nevin and his team from Perkins + Will was selected to complete the construction documents and selection of construction managers and contractors to build the first two phases of the project.

In February 2007, Little Joe and Oke, were rejoined with their group, on-exhibit at the Tropical Forest Building after 3 years away.  You may remember Little Joe making the news by climbing out of his exhibit on a number of occasions.  This project is a direct response to his escape, but goes much further, by creating a much improved environment for Joe and all his friends.

The new exhibit features soft substrates, climbing opportunities, close-up viewing for the public as well as a keeper demonstration/ interactive area where visitors can see first hand some of the training and enrichment activities that go on behind the scenes.  The new exhibit is a big success with visitors and Gorillas!  It also will contain Little Joe well into the future.

We are now completing work expanding the interior holding areas to accommodate the future expanded bachelor gorilla exhibit.  Work will be complete by Summer 2007.