Construction Cam!
New Gorilla Exhibit at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory – Update #1
October 3, 2011 – Ground has been broken!
September 25, 2011 – The fencing is up. All 480 feet of it!
Gorillas are one of the nations most favorite zoo animals, according to a recent Harris Poll, ranking in the top ten (Como is home to 9 of the top 10). Gorillas have been a part of Como’s rich history since the mid-1950’s and were one of the first zoos in the nation to engage in breeding loans of great apes to other zoos so that reproduction of these species could be improved.
The Gorilla Forest Habitat includes the construction of a major outdoor exhibit for the gorillas where they can play, climb, forage and display their extraordinary family and social dynamics to the public in landscape immersive natural habitats. The larger space of 10,000 square feet is approximately two and half times larger the current outdoor space and the smaller space of 2,000 square feet will be used for mothers with babies. The level of the outdoor exhibit floor will be raised so that visitors will get eye to eye, up close and personal views of the gorillas. The animals will be above in a superior position to the guests creating less stress for the animals and a more exciting viewing experience for the guest.
The improvements to the existing Gorilla Exhibit will provide a significant increase to quality as well as the quantity of space available for gorilla holding, husbandry, and exhibition at Como Zoo. A new gorilla holding building will provide space for five, natural light filled, two story spaces for the animals with view windows and perches so the gorillas can see out. The re-glazing of existing skylights will increase natural sight (as well as UV light) in the indoor habitat. Improvements to existing rockwork and trees will proved more horizontal space for gorillas and planned family groups.
Improvements to ventilation, lighting, drainage and a new rainforest mural on the dayroom wall will create a significantly improved environment for the animals and an improved viewing experience for the public. This work will represent the first phase of redevelopment of the gorilla project. The improvements will exceed all AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) and USDA requirements for holding, managing and exhibiting great apes. In addition the new facilities will permit Como Zoo to obtain family groups of gorillas with the potential of mating these majestic endangered species.
View structures and view shelters designed in a West African rainforest theme will provide ample viewing space including views through glass assuring up close experiences. School groups will meet in the view structure to learn about primates. A ‘behind the scenes’ view of the gorilla husbandry will be created where the public can view daily keeper/gorilla interaction and training. Descriptive interpretive graphics and exhibits will tell the story of gorilla behavior, conservation, and Como Zoo’s involvement in gorilla research.
Breaking ground in late 2011, this $2.5 million addition to the historic Marjorie McNeely Conservatory will create year-round viewing of its nationally-acclaimed Bonsai collection and Japanese garden. This new wing will feature a Bonsai Gallery, outdoor Bonsai Garden and Terrace, and realigned Pine Grove walk leading to the Como Ordway Memorial Japanese Garden (click here to review the plans).
The Como Ordway Memorial Japanese Garden that has roots dating back to the early 1900s when it was located on the current Como Golf Course. The Japanese Garden is landscaped in the traditional Japanese Sansui mountain and water style; the pond and waterfall serve as the focal points with glacial boulders serving as the bones of the garden. The design of the garden was a gift from the people of Nagasaki, Japan and the installation of the garden was personally supervised by Mr. Masami Matsuda, a ninth-generation master gardener from Japan. The Japanese Garden opened to the public in 1979 and was completely renovated in 1990 – 1991 under Mr. Matsuda’s careful eye. Private support to build the garden came from the family of Mrs. John G. Ordway. This majestic garden is currently open from May to September.
The time has come to make a strategic decision to consolidate the Japanese plant collections and gardens into one improved year-round experience.
The new Japanese plant and garden gallery will immerse visitors in the beauty and history of the Conservatory’s Japanese collections. This new indoor/outdoor wing of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory will provide the only experience in Minnesota of a top-curated Japanese plant collection. Improvements will result in an integrated indoor Bonsai gallery, outdoor Bonsai garden and year-round Japanese Garden. New gallery space will provide the opportunity to display Bonsai trees year-round. An adjoining Bonsai garden will for the first time ever provide space outside to display Bonsai trees. The new gallery and garden will connect to the Japanese Garden via a realigned path that continues the immersion into the Japanese plants and gardens.
The new wing will be extend out from the current parlor and located next to the Conservatory’s North Wing. Specific elements include:
- An enclosed Pavilion walkway will connect to the Conservatory and extend out to the Bonsai Gallery along the length of the Bonsai Garden. It will fully open to the Bonsai Garden via a series of sliding glass doors or provide a closed walkway during inclement weather.
- A Bonsai Gallery will be located at the end of the Pavilion near the Japanese Garden. This glittering glass box will display Bonsai trees year-round in a climate controlled space. It will provide lovely views into the Japanese Garden and serve as a destination during the winter months.
- An outside Bonsai Garden will extend the length of the Pavilion and provide an outdoors gallery for displaying Bonsai trees. Many of the trees in the Conservatory’s collection must be held outside during the summer months for their optimal health. The Bonsai Garden will provide visitors a serene space that invites them to meander its paths as well as a stunning gallery to display the Conservatory’s horticultural works of art.
- A realigned path into the Como Ordway Memorial Japanese Garden will curve through a grove of trees providing visitors a new view around every bend. It will lead to a newly installed traditional Japanese Garden gate that will provide a glimpse of the beauty inside before visitors cross the threshold.
- Opportunities to experience the Japanese Garden year-round. Traditional Japanese gardens are intended to provide a new opportunity to celebrate nature in quiet and subtle ways during all four seasons. Visitors will be able to view into the “resting” garden from the comfort of the Bonsai Galley or venture out to the garden along the path.
- The installation of a new ornamental fence around the south perimeter of the garden. Currently, a chain link fence serves as the perimeter wall.
COMING SOON: CONSTRUCTION CAM!
