Jersey Zoo's £8m Gorilla Enclosure Opens, Hailed as World-Class

Key facts

• Jersey Zoo unveils a new £8 million gorilla enclosure.
• Princess Anne officially opened the new facility last week.
• The enclosure houses four gorillas: Badongo, Bahasha, Hlala Kahilli, and Amari.
• Gorilla keeper Aoife O'Mahony describes it as 'one of the best gorilla houses in the world'.
• The project was supported by an island-wide public art trail launched in 2019.
• The enclosure opens to the public on Tuesday.
• A larger celebration is planned for May 30.

Gorillas Settle into State-of-the-Art New Home

A new £8 million gorilla enclosure at Jersey Zoo has been officially opened, with keepers and visitors alike hailing it as a resounding success. The state-of-the-art facility, designed with a focus on animal-led behaviour and welfare, welcomed its first residents immediately after the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The gorillas, including the troop's silverback Badongo, wasted no time exploring their expansive new surroundings. This significant investment replaces the zoo's previous gorilla house, which first opened its doors in 1981. The new enclosure is intended to provide ample space for the growing gorilla population and to enhance the daily lives of the animals. It represents Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust's enduring commitment to the species, aiming to set new standards in animal care. The project has been years in the making, culminating in a facility that keepers believe is "one of the best gorilla houses in the world." The emphasis has been on creating an environment that prioritises the gorillas' needs, ensuring their comfort and well-being as they adapt to their upgraded home. This approach reflects a dedication to pioneering welfare practices within zoological institutions.

Royal Patronage and Enthusiastic Reception

The inauguration of the new enclosure was performed by Princess Anne, who serves as patron of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. Her presence underscored the importance of the project for the conservation organisation. Almost immediately after the official opening, the gorillas demonstrated an enthusiastic acceptance of their new habitat. Badongo, the commanding silverback, led his family, which includes Bahasha, Hlala Kahilli, and Amari, into the enclosure. They were observed testing climbing frames and readily accepting food, exhibiting "really nice play behaviours," according to gorilla keeper Aoife O'Mahony. the animals settled in far more quickly than anticipated, a testament to the thoughtful design and gradual introduction process. This rapid adaptation suggests the enclosure successfully mimics natural conditions and provides a stimulating environment that meets the gorillas' behavioural needs. The positive initial reaction has generated considerable excitement among zoo staff and early visitors.

Design Focused on Welfare and Future Breeding

The new enclosure has been meticulously designed to be "future-proofed," Curator of Mammals. This forward-thinking approach aims to ensure the facility can support ongoing breeding programmes and continue Durrell's long-standing legacy with gorillas. Key features include two large indoor areas, eight private bedrooms, and a dedicated space for training and weighing. These facilities are crucial for the keepers' ability to provide the highest level of care safely and effectively. The design also allows for greater control over environmental conditions, such as humidity, which is particularly beneficial during colder months. Aoife O'Mahony, who has worked with the gorilla troop for over four years, emphasised the "gorilla-led and behaviour-led" philosophy behind the move. "We don't want to rush them into this nice new house if they're not ready for it," she stated, highlighting the priority placed on the animals' readiness and welfare over a strict schedule. This patient approach ensures that the gorillas transition smoothly into their new home, reinforcing the zoo's commitment to world-class welfare standards.

A Legacy of Conservation and Public Support

Jersey Zoo, founded by the renowned conservationist Gerald Durrell, has a history spanning over 60 years of caring for gorillas. This new enclosure is seen as a significant continuation of that dedication to species preservation and animal welfare. "It's testament to Durrell's commitment to the species, and not just the commitment to these gorillas here but the commitment to the whole European breeding programme," Matthews remarked. The facility is designed to bolster the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) for gorillas, contributing to the long-term survival of the species. Public support played a vital role in funding the ambitious project. In 2019, Jersey Zoo launched an island-wide public art trail featuring brightly painted gorilla sculptures, an initiative that successfully raised funds for the new enclosure. This community involvement highlights the deep connection between the zoo, its residents, and the wider public.

Public Opening and Visitor Appeal

The new gorilla enclosure is set to open its doors to the public on Tuesday, with a larger celebratory event planned for May 30. Zoo officials anticipate a significant increase in visitor numbers, drawn by the prospect of observing the gorillas in their magnificent, modern habitat. Mark Habben, Director of Zoological Operations, noted the gorillas' inherent appeal to visitors. "They integrate in social settings, they play, they explore and they're really inquisitive and I think we can really relate to that," he said, explaining why the animals are such a draw. Their complex social behaviours and curious nature make them relatable and captivating to watch. Visitors like Lucy, who travelled from New Zealand specifically to see the new enclosure, have already expressed their admiration, describing it as "absolutely amazing." The combination of cutting-edge facilities, a strong conservation mission, and the charismatic nature of the gorillas promises to make this a major attraction.

The bottom line

• Jersey Zoo has invested £8 million in a new, state-of-the-art gorilla enclosure.
• Princess Anne, patron of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, officially opened the facility.
• The enclosure prioritises animal welfare and behavioural needs, aiming for world-class standards.
• It is designed to support future breeding programmes and the European Endangered Species Programme.
• The project was partially funded by an island-wide public art trail initiated in 2019.
• The new habitat opens to the public this week, with a larger celebration scheduled for May 30.