We are building a new ape house

• The development of the new ape house has begun in September 2007 as a second priority after finishing the carnivore house in agreement with the accredited concept of the expansion of Bratislava Zoo. Finishing of this building site is planned for December 2009. The total budget cost is 88 million SKK/2921064.86 EUR.

• The new ape house will comply with all criteria for ape husbandry in human tendance. According to the European standards, the focus is aimed on appropriate physiological, ecological and behavioural conditions of animal keeping with the aim to create an environment stimulating original biotope occurrence of caged species, and to motivate confined individuals to a maximal possible natural behavioural expression.

• Two-story pavilion will comprise of two parts – inside and outside area. The visitors will be separated from the animals by glass barriers. The inside and outside area will be equipped with natural (vegetation, substrate, wood to support natural movement of animals) elements, as well as artificial (rocks) elements. Appropriate humidity and temperature in the interior, including a thorough ventilation and mist production, will be insured by a special acclimatization system. The new complex will include a new educational scheme focused on evolution and comparison of humans with its closest relatives, the apes.

• There will be three species of primates placed in the new pavilion: the Golden-cheeked gibbon from the family Hylobatidae, and two species from the family Hominidae (apes), the Sumatran orang-utan and the Common chimpanzee.