Germany: Krefeld Zoo Reveals Plans for New Ape Conservation Center

After the tragic fire at Krefeld Zoo on New Years Eve 2019/2020, in which 30 primatse lost their lives, the zoo management gathered courage fast and announced the reconstruction of the great ape facility under the working titel “Conservation Centre Ape Park“ (see EAP news of 27 Jan 2020). Now, the zoo revealed detailed development plans, which include the construction of not one but multiple new warm houses with outdoor and indoor areas for apes. By purchasing a new construction site, the total area of the tropical ape house and the so-called gorilla garden will quintuple in size and will feature a dry brench, an artificial rock backside, nature-like climbing elements and planting. The new area is planned to be completed in 2022.

During three further construction phases until 2029, additional compounds will be created for orangutans, chimpanses and gibbons, which will include e.g. a two-storey-high barrier-free path. In total, the reconstruction of the conservation centre will cost around 28 million Euros, which will be financed through own funds, damage settlements of the former tropical ape house, donations and subsidies from the City of Krefeld.

“We as the Zoo Society and all supporters and donors are happy today, that the course has been set for a new large-scale compound for great apes. Our thanks to the many thousands of donors can finally be combined with the certainty that planning and financing for the new ape park are in place,“ comments Friedrich R. Berlemann, first chairman of the Friends of the Zoo Society. (eap)