New Primates Swing into the Houston Zoo

The entrance to the Great Ape Gallery.

Last week, we decided to visit the Houston Zoo to check out the primates that took center stage in their new exhibit, which opened last month. These gorillas are coming to Houston after an 11-year absence and everyone is ecstatic to have them back in town.

This new exhibit has been a project years in the making, including the four years it took to construct the gorilla habitat. This beautiful habitat is covered in lush plant life, most importantly the banana trees (yes, the whole tree), which are the gorillas’ favorite food. “It's awesome seeing the gorillas in their natural habitat,” Houston Zoo visitor Michelle Jordan told us.

According to Primate Supervisor Jill Moyes who plays a paramount role in presenting these primates to the public, these beautiful animals feel perfectly at home in their new habitat. She says that the new exhibit is perfect for Houston because the local climate often mimics the climate the gorillas are used to in their natural habitat. 

Along with the gorillas, which include a bachelor group (Chaka, Mike and Ajari) and a family group (Holli, Bint and their daughter Sufi) the exhibit includes the Great Ape Gallery, which showcases some curious and active chimpanzees.

Houston Zoo visitor Elise Snow loved the new exhibit and said she really liked seeing the gorillas. 

See more information about the gorilla exhibit and see the photo slideshow below to check out the new exhibit and gorillas.

Note: Every visit to The Houston Zoo puts money toward the preservation of endangered species, such as these critically endangered gorillas. But there is still more we can do. The Buzz and The Houston Zoo encourages everyone to recycle old cell phones and buy sustainable product so that we can preserve the natural habitats of these beautiful animals.