The Gorilla Kingdom Expansion, London Zoo

The Gorilla Kingdom Expansion project is formed of various elements that are essential for ZSL to both keep a ‘key species’; the Western Lowland Gorilla, and to implement aspects of their masterplan, which aims for ZSL to become a diversified conservation zoo with distinct thematic zones and clear messaging to visitors. The purpose of this project is to create an additional gorilla management unit containing outdoor and indoor spaces, offering on-show and off-show areas.

The expansion project will not only meet husbandry standards for gorillas, but will support ZSL’s masterplan vision for diversification through the creation of a facility that integrates gorillas with another Large Primate, such as the Black-Crested Mangabey, into a mixed-species enclosure. Both species will appear in the context of their natural environment; the wild sub-tropical and tropical lowland forests of Africa.

The new exhibits will enable visitors to emotionally connect to the animals in a positive way within their enlarged enclosures and share the story of ZSL’s work for wildlife in West Africa, whilst celebrating the architectural language of the refurbished Sobell Pavilion located at the heart of the new proposals.