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The James & Elizabeth Bramsen Tropical Forests is a new primate indoor/outdoor habitats that span nearly three acres at Brookfield Zoo Chicago! Replicating the native environments of gorillas, orangutans and monkeys, Bramsen Tropical Forests includes four distinct habitats and climate zones inspired by regions of Africa, Asia and South America. The new space incorporates cutting-edge innovations in primate wellness to support the specific behavioral and physical needs of the Zoo’s primate residents.
Work included constructing a new building to serve both a family and a bachelor group of critically endangered Western Lowland Gorillas. There are two indoor holding facilities and one allows for up-close visitor viewing. The second floor of the building is dedicated to the King Conservation Science Scholars Program. With its innovative, hands-on approach to leadership development that incorporates environmental literacy and inclusion, this program helps to cultivate the next generation of conservation-minded, community-driven leaders. There are training and event spaces with an outdoor terrace that provides an elevated vantage point for viewing the animals.
The outdoor habitat allows close-up viewing through glass structures as animals travel between interior environments and the outdoor spaces overhead. Waterfalls surrounded by natural and artificial trees and other features in the habitats provide animal enrichment and promote climbing behaviors as they would in the wild. Hollowed-out fallen trees offer unique viewing opportunities.
From immersive habitats to behind-the-scenes innovation, the James & Elizabeth Bramsen Tropical Forests is more than just a new habitat, it’s a place where animals thrive, future conservation leaders grow, and visitors of all ages can get a little closer to the wild. We’re proud to have played a part in building this unforgettable experience at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. So next time you visit, don’t just look around—look up, look in and get inspired by the world of wonder we helped bring to life!
