Brookfield Zoo unveils sprawling, tropical primate habitat

Brookfield Zoo Chicago opened the doors to one of the largest primate habitats in the country Thursday.

Spanning 3 acres, the James and Elizabeth Bramsen Tropical Forests will now be home to gorillas, Bornean orangutans, spider monkeys, red-tailed monkeys and Colobus monkeys.

Zoo president and CEO Micheal J. Adkesson said the habitat was three years in the making and began with the idea of moving the family troop of western lowland gorillas into a modern care facility with outdoor spaces.

“For some of our gorillas and orangutans born here at the zoo, this is the first time they have had an environment where they can feel the grass under their feet, the sun coming down on their face and the breeze moving through their hair,” Adkesson said.

The entire project involves a $66 million investment, of which the Bramsen family donated $40 million. Funding was also provided by the American Rescue Plan Act from the Forest Preserves of Cook County and the zoo’s “Grow the Forest” campaign.

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon at the event noted the importance of public funding in such projects and highlighted protecting natural spaces and the animals who live in them.

“This project by itself created 336 temporary jobs, more permanent jobs and generated more than $69 million in labor income and contributed over $182 million in total economic activity already, and we are just getting started,” Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch told the crowd.

As dignitaries, donors and zoo staff fanned themselves under the hot sun during the unveiling, two adult gorillas, Barney and Shango, could be seen lounging comfortably in the shade.

“This is larger than I expected it to be” said Michelle Mason, an Elk Grove resident and weekly visitor of Brookfield Zoo.

The zoo announced the exhibit last year as part of its "Next Century Plan," which will see the zoo implement new strategies for animal wellness and guest education on wildlife and conservation.

The team’s next project will be an 18-acre African savannah for antelopes, elephants and giraffes among other species in the north side of the zoo spread, said Molly Keller, co-chair of initiative's campaign leadership committee.

Another donor and visitor, James Kelly, 75, has been a contributor to the zoo since 1975. Standing in front of the gorilla overlook, he said, “This is very well done. And the animals are actually outside. It’s a good day for the zoo.”

The exhibit opens to the public Friday.