Germany: Rostock Zoo Presents New Wooden Gorilla Sleeping Nests

Visitors to Rostock Zoo can now learn more about the sleeping habits of gorillas – in the outdoor area of the “Darwineum”, two climbing structures designed as gorilla sleeping nests with lifelike wooden sculptures now invite guests to take a closer look at these strong but gentle animals in a playful way. The two play figures were made from regional oak wood by sculptor Janne Margo König (from Hü & Hott Spielskulpturen). The main figure weighs about 400 kilograms and represents a gorilla mama with a baby on her back. The sculpture is about one meter high, 1.5 meters long and 80 centimeters wide and will certainly also serve as a popular new photo point for visitors. The baby gorilla in the sleeping nest climbing structure is about 75 centimeters tall and easily accessible for all climbers.

The creative idea was implemented with the financial support of Rostock’s public utility company, which sponsors the gorilla group living at the zoo and is a premium partner of the zoo, by the company Arbolito Spielraumgestaltung in collaboration with Hü & Hott Spielskulpturen. An information board at the sleeping nest installation provides information on the sleeping habits of the animals. Currently, two gorilla groups with nine animals live in the Darwineum. (eap)

In the picture on the right: Sculptor Janne Margo König, Zoo Marketing Manager Réne Gottschalk, Stadtwerke Press Officer Alexander Christen and Paul-David Ronnecker from Arbolito (f.l.t.r.).