Downing Gorilla Forest Reserve

The Downing Gorilla Forest was built to replicate eight acres of central African forest. The forest is home to more than 50 animals, including a group of lowland gorillas. You will know you are in the African part of the zoo when you come upon the Nganda Village. Each of the buildings were constructed with basic masonry and wood construction with a colored plaster over the blocks. All of the buildings are tied together by a stained concrete path that leads you to a fifty-foot suspension bridge. Once across the bridge you will follow the winding paths and gorilla hand and foot prints to The Downing Gorilla Forest Reserve. The natural history of the gorilla and the conservation efforts will be described in educational signs and interactive displays. As you enter the viewing area you are able to view the gorillas as they lounge in the shade, play and wrestle through 1 5/8″ thick glass.