Jersey Zoo's £8m Gorilla Enclosure Opens After Royal Unveiling

Key facts

• Jersey Zoo unveiled a new £8 million gorilla enclosure.
• Princess Anne, patron of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, officially opened the facility.
• The enclosure is nine times larger than the previous one, which opened in 1981.
• It houses four western lowland gorillas: Badongo, Bahasha, Hlala Kahilli, and Amari.
• Public fundraising, including the 2019 'Go Wild Gorillas' trail, contributed over £1.1 million.
• The new enclosure opened to the public on May 5, with a celebration day on May 30.

Royal Seal of Approval for New Gorilla Habitat

Princess Anne, in her capacity as patron of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, has officially opened a new £8 million gorilla enclosure at Jersey Zoo. The state-of-the-art facility, described by the animals' keeper as "one of the best gorilla houses in the world," has been met with enthusiasm by visitors and volunteers alike. The unveiling marks a significant milestone for the zoo, which has cared for western lowland gorillas for over six decades. The new habitat replaces a structure dating back to 1981, offering substantially more space to accommodate the troop and support future breeding programmes. This development underscores the Durrell Trust's long-standing commitment to the species, extending from its earliest days to the creation of this advanced, future-proofed environment. The project represents a substantial investment in animal welfare and conservation efforts.

A 'Gorilla-Led' Approach to a New Home

The transition of gorillas Badongo, Bahasha, Hlala Kahilli, and Amari into their new surroundings was guided by a philosophy of prioritizing the animals' well-being and behaviour. Gorilla keeper Aoife O'Mahony, who has worked with the troop for nearly five years, emphasized a "gorilla-led and behaviour-led" approach. "We don't want to rush them into this nice new house if they're not ready for it," O'Mahony stated, highlighting the intention to match the facility's quality with unparalleled welfare standards. The process involves observing pre-set positive behaviours before advancing to the next stage, ensuring the gorillas adapt comfortably. This careful acclimatization aims to ensure that the new, expansive environment is fully embraced by its inhabitants, fostering natural behaviours and a sense of security. The keeper's dedication reflects a deep understanding of the primates' needs and a commitment to their enrichment.

Designed for Thriving, Built for the Future

The new enclosure boasts a design intended to facilitate both immediate welfare and long-term conservation goals. It features two large indoor areas, eight individual dens, and a dedicated space for training and weighing, all engineered to enhance the safety and effectiveness of keeper care. Curator of Mammals Ben Matthews highlighted the enclosure's future-proofing, designed to support ongoing breeding efforts and build upon the Durrell Trust's legacy with gorillas. The facility includes deep bark chip flooring for foraging, extensive climbing structures, and numerous ropes and platforms, all intended to encourage natural behaviours like exploration and play. "This is about looking ahead, creating spaces that reflect our welfare focus, giving animals the flexibility and space they need to thrive," explained Mark Habben, director of zoo operations. The environment is also equipped with systems to precisely control temperature and humidity, crucial for the well-being of western lowland gorillas.

Community Support Fuels Conservation Ambitions

The realization of this ambitious project was significantly bolstered by public engagement and fundraising initiatives. The 2019 "Go Wild Gorillas" island-wide public art trail alone generated more than £1.1 million towards the new enclosure. Additional funding came from various sources, including the Government of Jersey Fiscal Fund, private individuals, businesses, and other trusts, demonstrating a broad community investment in the zoo's mission. This collective effort underscores the public's connection to the gorillas and their support for the Durrell Trust's conservation work. Princess Anne's long-standing patronage, now exceeding 50 years, further lends weight to the importance of the facility. Her presence at the opening ceremony underscored the enduring relationship between the Royal Family and the wildlife conservation organization.

Gorillas Embrace New Home, Public Awaits

Initial observations suggest the gorillas have readily accepted their new home. Badongo, the silverback leader, reportedly led the troop into the enclosure, with all four animals exploring and engaging with their new environment within the first hour of its opening. Keepers noted positive interactions, including the gorillas readily accepting food and testing out the climbing frames with "really nice play behaviours." Aoife O'Mahony expressed optimism about the expanded possibilities: "It just gives us the space to do so much more and constantly change their environment." The enclosure officially opened to the public on a phased basis starting May 5, with a special celebration day planned for May 30. Visitors from as far as New Zealand have already expressed awe, with one describing the facility as "absolutely amazing."

The bottom line

• Jersey Zoo's new £8 million gorilla enclosure aims to set new global standards in animal welfare.
• The facility, officially opened by Princess Anne, is nine times larger than its predecessor.
• A 'gorilla-led' acclimatization process prioritizes the animals' comfort and natural behaviours.
• Public fundraising, notably the 'Go Wild Gorillas' trail, played a crucial role in financing the project.
• The enclosure is designed with future-proofing for breeding programmes and enhanced environmental controls.
• The gorillas have shown positive engagement with their new habitat, exploring and playing.