When Hubbard Gorilla Valley re-opened in 2021 after a $7 million renovation, it had plenty of features — including more space, more climbing structures, a large stream running through the habitat, and a waterfall — to make the gorilla population of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium pound their chests with pride over their new digs.
What’s really made Zoo visitors go ape is that the renovation, which added 10,000 square feet to the space and air conditioning (for the first time!) throughout the building, has provided so many new opportunities to engage with gorillas.
“We have 11 gorillas: a family group and two bachelor groups. It’s among the largest gorilla collections in the Midwest,” says Christine DuPre, supervisor of great apes and pinnipeds at the Zoo. She notes that each gorilla has a distinct personality, and many have their own fan base. “We have regulars that come all the time. People especially like to seek out the gorilla kids because they’re so interactive, as well as one of our silverbacks, Kijito, who’s also really interactive. Everyone looks for Timmy, because he’s the largest. There’s one lady that really likes Bambio (an 18-year-old female), and a gentleman named Tom who photographs the gorillas and sends us a Christmas card every year.”
DuPre says there used to be a couple that drove three hours every weekend from Kansas City to visit the gorillas, and one that still makes frequent pilgrimages from Waterloo, Iowa. “That’s just the kind of dedication people have for them.”
But there’s no need to drive hundreds of miles to show your support for our gorillas. This year, we’re giving you the chance to be a part of this iconic building and to support these charismatic and intelligent animals with a gorilla shaped plaque displayed alongside the troop.
Available for either $500 or $1,000 in two impressive sizes that display up to 60 or 120 characters of text respectively, these beautiful silverback-shaped plaques are a lasting and wildly appropri-ape way to commemorate an important milestone, remember a loved one or show a family or individual’s commitment to gorilla care and conservation.
There are only a limited number of plaques available, so order your plaque online today or by calling the Omaha Zoo Foundation at 402.738.2073.
If you’re looking for other ways to support gorillas, bring your old cell phones, iPads and laptops to recycle in the designated bin within the Hubbard Gorilla Valley. “There’s an ore called coltan that’s used in cell phone batteries, and when they mine it in Africa, it’s destructive to gorilla habitats,” explains DuPre. She says that the Zoo is part of a campaign called Gorillas on the Line to help combat the problem. “We collect the batteries and send them to an organization called EcoCell – it’s actually kind of a friendly competition with zoos across the country to see who can collect the most.”