Princess Anne opens Jersey Zoo gorilla enclosure

On her second Royal visit to the island in six months, Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, who is the Patron of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, has opened the new gorilla enclosure at Jersey Zoo.

The new building is Europe’s most modern gorilla facility and will replace the troop’s current home, which was officially opened in 1981, and is nine times larger.

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

Ben Matthews, Curator of Mammals, said:

"The facility has improved the lives of the gorillas in so many ways, not just in terms of space and spatial complexity, but we now have so much more control over the humidity, the temperature, and the light. 

"We can mirror what they'd be living in in the wild, which improves their lives, and will help us with our research efforts."

Fundraising began six years ago, in 2019, with the 'Go Wild Gorillas' project, which placed 40 life-sized gorilla sculptures around the island. 

The sculptures, designed by artists, were then auctioned to raise even more funding for the enclosure. 

READ: Gorilla Auction Raises £1.14 Million

The enclosure was also part-funded by a £980,000 post-COVID government grant given to the zoo, aimed at boosting the economy after the pandemic.

There are two large indoor viewing spaces, eight dens and dedicated training and weighting areas.

The primates also have a five metre high climbing structure, with ropes and platforms for movement and play.

Aoife O’Mahony looks after the gorillas, and knows they love it already:

"Silverback Badongo did an incredible job and exactly what a silverback should do - which is lead the troop into the new building.

"We're seeing really nice play behaviours from Amari, and we're seeing Badongo be able to use the climbing frame and use his muscles to get up high."

Keepers can watch on from observation platforms and using the full CCTV system.

Durrell CEO Rebecca Brewer called it a 'defining moment' and a 'major step forward for how we care for endangered species'.

"It brings together everything we have learned about welfare, environment and behaviour over the last 60 years."

Mark Habben, Durrell’s Director of Zoo Operations, said every consideration has been given to the building:

"It provides the opportunity to manage the gorillas with greater reference to their cognitive and management needs whilst providing them with greater opportunities to develop their dynamic social structure.

"We’re really excited for people to come and see it, and to watch the gorillas explore their new home." 

The gorilla's new home will open to the public on a phased basis from 5 May.