Princess Anne, Major New Gorilla Habitat at Jersey Zoo

A newly built, state-of-the-art gorilla facility at Jersey Zoo has been officially opened by Princess Anne during a private visit this week.

The Princess Royal, who has served as patron of the Durrell Wildlife Trust for more than five decades, unveiled the new enclosure on Thursday. The trust’s chief executive, Rebecca Brewer, described the development as a significant milestone in the care of endangered species and expressed gratitude for the royal’s long-standing support.

Western lowland gorillas have been part of the zoo’s history since it first opened in 1959. Its first gorilla, N’Pongo, arrived later that year at just two years old and became the first mammal recorded in the zoo’s archives.

The newly completed habitat is substantially larger than its predecessor, around nine times the size - and replaces a facility that had been in use since 1981. Designed with animal welfare in mind, the enclosure includes indoor viewing areas, multiple dens, and specialised spaces for training and monitoring.

Zoo officials say the environment has been carefully planned to encourage natural behaviours, with features such as bark-covered flooring for foraging, climbing structures, and elevated platforms for movement and play. Advanced systems are also in place to regulate temperature and humidity.

Mark Habben, director of zoo operations, said the project reflects a forward-looking approach to animal care, ensuring species have the space and flexibility they need to thrive.

Funding for the development came in part from public contributions, including proceeds from the 2019 Go Wild Gorillas campaign, which raised more than £1.1 million, alongside support from government funds, private donors, and organisations.

The new gorilla house is set to open to visitors in stages beginning 5 May, offering the public a chance to experience the upgraded facility firsthand.