Gorilla Habitat
Chimelong, China
Outdoor Habitat
6.400m2
Building Facility
3.144m2
The Design Response
The layout was developed in full alignment with EEP requirements. Indoor and outdoor zones support natural social rhythms. Off-show areas allow for quarantine, research, and safe introductions — every decision rooted in animal agency, sensory experience, and natural behaviour.
The Outcome
The zoo received a layout ready for submission — facility designed to satisfy the negotiation process, support the animals and the people caring for them. The habitat can be separated, connected, or reconfigured as the group evolves.
The Animal Brief
Gorillas are highly social animals with rich inner lives. They form strong bonds, navigate complex relationships, and need space that supports how they actually behave. Designing for gorillas means thinking about the whole group — how individuals move, rest, interact, and retreat.
The Challenge
The zoo was applying for gorillas through EAZA and needed a layout that met EEP standards for animal care and keeper safety. With no prior experience in gorilla habitat design, they needed specialist input to build a credible application — and a layout that would genuinely work long-term.
