Progress is being made on Europe's 'most modern' gorilla house

Monday, 7 April 2025 11:41

Jersey Zoo is set to be home to Europe's most modern gorilla house, with Durrell showing off the latest progress.

The troop's current home - which was opened in 1981 - will be replaced by the new enclosure.

Phase one is now complete, with a new enclosure built for the wildlife charity's Visayan warty pigs, which will open in February 2026.

Work on the new primate house started last summer.

Money from the 'Go Wild Gorillas' trail and the government's Fiscal Stimulus Fund have helped to cover parts of the cost of the build.

The area will be filled with a bark chip floor and include five-metre high climbing frames for the gorillas' enrichment.

The troop will have two indoor areas, with eight different dens for their care.

Jersey Zoo says its keepers have been working to keep Badongo, Bahasha, Hlala Kahilli and Amari as comfortable as possible during this transition period.

"The team can’t explain in words to our gorillas that all of this commotion and noise is for their new house!

Gorillas generally like to be able to see where an unknown noise is coming from; understanding this helps them relax, and you will sometimes see Badongo at the top of the climbing structures checking out progress."