2023 Toronto Zoo 🐻🌳🦧 A new Orangutans of Gunung Leuser, Guardians of the Rainforest Habitat Unveiled

Saturday, 01 July 2023 08:01.AM

On June 30, the Toronto Zoo held a public grand opening of the brand new state-of-the-art Sumatran orangutan outdoor habitat, officially named Orangutans of Gunung Leuser, Guardians of the Rainforest after the Leuser National Park which is home to 85% of the remaining Sumatran orangutans in the wild.

Two days earlier, the NEW habitat was unveiled at a VIP and donor event complete with traditional dance performances from members of the Indonesian community.

The Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy’s Reaching New Heights for Orangutans Campaign enabled the Toronto Zoo to complete the construction of this new outdoor habitat for the seven orangutans in our care. Dedicated supporters, including The City of Toronto, Compass Group Canada, the Lawrence Schafer Foundation, Juan and Stefania Speck and many others, made impactful donations totalling $5.3 million that helped bring this project to life. Yesterday’s event was a perfect opportunity to thank donors for their generous contributions, without which the habitat would not have been possible.

"A project of this scope was one we had initially only dreamed about becoming a reality," says Beth Gilhespy, Executive Director, Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy. "It's because of our generous donors that the orangutans in our care have this magnificent new space to call home, which mimics their wild habitat offering them new enriching experiences and choices."

Under construction since 2020, this new outdoor habitat was built to stimulate the orangutans' physical, social, and intellectual needs. The seven Sumatran orangutans that call the Toronto Zoo home will slowly be introduced to this new 13,000sq ft space, each at their own pace and comfort level. Once they are settled in, they will be able to climb up to 75 feet in the air and feel the breeze as they look out over the treetops of the Rouge Valley. And if you come to visit their new home and they are not quite used to their new space yet, don’t worry, they still have their familiar indoor habitat that they love to explore!

Integrated into the new space will also be a research station where animal behavioural scientists can study these majestic tree dwellers, known as the "Guardians of the Rainforest." At the new habitat, guests can also find out how they can help this critically endangered species by shopping smart and learning more about sustainable palm oil.

“This new habitat is a physical representation of our mission of connecting people, animals and wildlife to help fight extinction” says Dolf DeJong, CEO, Toronto Zoo. “It was so important to us that guests leave feeling empowered to create change to help this critically endangered species by making small adjustments in their day-to-day lives. We are delighted the day has come where we can welcome guests to experience the new space, and to see them, save them.”

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