28 August 1999 - Update
This has been an especially busy summer for us at Gorilla Haven. Designs for the facilities are still being finalized, as we clear building areas and prepare fencing around where Phase I of the facility will be. We’re building Gorilla Villas first – smaller buildings designed for two adult silverbacks, each with their own indoor and outdoor cages, with access to part or all of a 6 acre natural outdoor habitat. A Group Building, including a large day room and individual in/outdoor cages for up to 6 silverbacks housed separately will be Phase II, also opening out to the 6 acre outdoor habitat, which can be subdivided using hot wires. This approach is designed to provide maximum flexibility in handling both groups and also animals that may require separate housing on a temporary or semi-permanent basis.
We’ve had gorilla experts from around the world visiting us and their help has been invaluable. This fall promises to keep us just as busy with guests and construction projects, but it’s a fun and heady time watching our dream turn into reality slowly but surely!